How Do You Spell PERISTALSIS?

Pronunciation: [pˌɛɹɪstˈalsɪs] (IPA)

"Peristalsis" is a medical term used to describe the involuntary contractions that occur in the digestive system. The spelling of this word is interesting because it contains a combination of consonants that can be challenging to pronounce. According to IPA phonetic transcription, "peristalsis" is pronounced as /pɛrɪˈstɔlsɪs/. The "r" is emphasized, and there is a slight "uh" sound between the "s" and the "i." While the spelling may be difficult, understanding the pronunciation is important in effectively communicating about this bodily function.

PERISTALSIS Meaning and Definition

1. Peristalsis is the term used to describe a rhythmic, wave-like muscular contraction that occurs in the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, certain other hollow organs, and some blood vessels. It is an involuntary movement that primarily aids in the movement of various substances through different parts of the body.

   In the gastrointestinal tract, peristalsis helps propel food along the digestive system. The process begins when food enters the esophagus, where a series of coordinated muscular contractions occur, pushing the ingested material towards the stomach. As food enters the stomach, peristaltic contractions continue, helping to mix and break down the food. The partially digested matter then moves through the small intestine and finally into the large intestine, with peristalsis aiding in the absorption of nutrients and the elimination of waste.

   Apart from the digestive system, peristalsis also plays a role in other bodily functions. For instance, it is involved in the movement of urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder, and during childbirth, it helps push the baby through the birth canal. Additionally, peristalsis ensures the proper flow of blood through vessels like the lymphatic system and veins.

   Overall, peristalsis is a crucial physiological process that facilitates the movement of substances within the body. It relies on the coordinated activity of smooth muscles and helps maintain optimal functioning of various organs and systems.

2. The vermiform movement of the intestine or other tubular structure; a wave of alternate circular contraction and relaxation of the tube by which the contents are propelled onward.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PERISTALSIS

• peristasis
• peristalysis
• peristalisis
• oeristalsis
• leristalsis
• -eristalsis
• 0eristalsis
• pwristalsis
• psristalsis
• pdristalsis
• prristalsis
• p4ristalsis
• p3ristalsis
• peeistalsis
• pedistalsis
• pefistalsis
• petistalsis
• pe5istalsis
• pe4istalsis
• perustalsis
• aparistalsis
• Persistalesis

Etymology of PERISTALSIS

The word "peristalsis" has a Greek origin. It comes from the combination of two Greek words: "peri" meaning "around" or "about", and "stalsis" meaning "contraction". Peristalsis refers to the coordinated muscular contractions that propel food through the digestive tract or other substances through various tubular structures in the body, such as the esophagus or the intestines.

Similar spelling words for PERISTALSIS

• peristedion,
• peristyle,
• peristediinae,
• peristome.

Plural form of PERISTALSIS is PERISTALSES