Peristalsis is a wave-like movement (motion) that
progresses along some of the hollow tubes of the body that have circular
and longitudinal muscles, such as the intestines.
Peristalsis happens involuntarily and is induced by
distension of the walls of the tube.
How does it work ?
-
Immediately behind the distension the circular muscle contracts.
-
In front of the distension the circular muscle relaxes,
and
-
the longitudinal muscle contracts
... which pushes forward the contents
of the tube.
More about the Digestive
System:
This section includes pages about:
*
Introduction to the Digestive System
*
Terminology about Digestion
* Passage
through the alimentary tract
* Component Parts of the Digestive System, incl. Teeth,
Stomach,
Liver,
Small
Intestine,
Large Intestine
* Chemical
Processes in the Digestive System (introductory level)
*
Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System.
For further information see also our pages of
books about gastroenterology. |
 |
This section
is about
Terms
used to describe digestion and digestive processes
To read about other parts of the digestive system, use the links on the
left-side of this page.
See also glossary pages about
Tissues
and Organs of the
Digestive System
and about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Digestive System
|
