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Health Illustrated Encyclopedia - Special Topic

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Digestive system
Digestive system


Ileus - X-ray of distended bowel and stomach
Ileus - X-ray of distended bowel and stomach


Ileus - X-ray of bowel distension
Ileus - X-ray of bowel distension


Peristalsis
Peristalsis


Peristalsis

Definition:

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.



Alternative Names: Intestinal motility

Information:




Review Date: 10/20/2008
Reviewed 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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