Word parts
What it means
The rhythmic tightening and relaxing of the smooth muscle in the walls of the esophagusih-SOF-uh-gusThe muscular tube that carries food and liquid from the throat to the stomach.esophag/o esophagusFull entry , stomach and intestines. Each wave pushes the contents forward. Ureters move urine to the bladder in the same way. Bowel sounds are the noise of peristalsis moving gas and fluid.
For the nurse
Surgery, anesthesia, opioids and lying in bed slow peristalsis. Walking, fluids and fiber help it return. Report no bowel sounds with a swollen, painful belly, nausea or vomiting.
At a glance
| Spanish | peristaltismo |
|---|---|
| Also written | peristaltic |
Related terms
gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach and intestines, or with the whole digestive tract from the mouth to the anus.
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.
smooth muscle
Muscle that works without conscious control and lines hollow organs such as the stomach, intestines, bladder, airways and blood vessels.
bowel
The intestine: the long tube of the digestive tract from the stomach to the anus.