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Peristalsis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names	Definition

Illustrations

Digestive system

Ileus - X-ray of distended bowel and stomach

Ileus - X-ray of bowel distension

Peristalsis

Alternative Names    Return to top

Intestinal motility

Definition    Return to top

Peristalsis is a series of organized muscle contractions that occur throughout the digestive tract. Peristalsis is also seen in the tubular organs that connect the kidneys to the bladder.

Peristalsis is an automatic and important process that moves food through the digestive system. It also moves urine from the kidneys into the bladder, and bile from the gallbladder into the duodenum.

Peristalsis is a normal function of the body. It can sometimes be felt in the abdomen as gas moves along.

Update Date: 10/20/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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