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peristalsis (gastrointestinal motility)
Function:
- organized contraction of longitudinal & circular smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract which propels the contents towards the rectum
- the contraction occurs as a wave travels down the gastrointestinal tract
Pathology:
- esophageal dysmotility
- gastroparesis
- ileus
- constipation
Specific
gastric motility/emptying
intestinal motility
General
physiologic process
References
Dorland's Medical Dictionary, 23rd ed., WB Saunders,
Philadelphia, 1990