Question

What does peristalsis mean?

Answer 1

Peristalsis:

1. Peristalsis is a series of involuntary wave-like muscle contractions which move food along the digestive tract.
2. The wave-like contractions of smooth muscles in the digestive tract propel food through the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and rectum.
3. For example, the contraction and relaxation of muscle tissue can allow movement of a substance in a given direction, for instance in the throat, which moves mucus up the throat and food down.