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Peristalsis Notes: Definitions & Explanations PDF | Download eBooks

Study Peristalsis lecture notes PDF with biology definitions and explanation to study “What is Peristalsis?”. Study peristalsis explanation with biology terms to review biology course for online degree programs.

Peristalsis Definition:

  • Peristalsis is the alternating waves of contraction and relaxation in the smooth muscles lining the canal that helps to push the food down.

    Campbell Biology by J.B. Reece, L.A. Urry, M.L. Cain, S.A. Wasserman, P.V. Minorsky, R.B. Jackson



Peristalsis Notes:

Peristalsis is a radially symmetrical contraction and relaxation of muscles that propagates in a wave down a tube in the downward direction. In much of a digestive tract such as the human gastrointestinal tract, smooth muscle tissue contracts in sequence to produce a peristaltic wave, which propels a ball of food along the tract. Peristaltic movement comprises relaxation of circular smooth muscles, then their contraction behind the chewed material to keep it from moving backward, then longitudinal contraction to push it forward.

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