Peristalsis: Definition, Types and Function

Peristalsis definition in anatomy

“Peristalsis is a sequence of contractions of the muscles in forms of wave that help transport food and liquid particles along the digestive tract to numerous processing organs.”

What is Peristalsis?

Peristalsis, also known as the peristaltic movement, is the relaxation and contraction of food in the oesophagus and food pipe, which forces the food down the track to the stomach. This unintentional movement is required for food to pass through the bowels and stomach to pass through the anus.

When food is entirely swallowed, the oesophagus initiates peristaltic movement, which comprises the reflexive activity of the circular and longitudinal muscles in the digestive places, as well as hollow tubes that exist in progressive wave-like contractions at other times.

Peristalsis occurs in the digestive tract, i.e., in the stomach, intestines, and oesophagus, and the waves can be continuous, short, or long, and they travel the entire extent of the organs depending on where they are located.

Intestinal Peristalsis

Intestinal peristalsis is the contractions that move from the restorative point in both directions caused by the stimulation of smooth muscle tissues in the small intestine due to the presence of food particles.

They are usually present in the small intestine and travel at different speeds. These go ahead by exposing food to the gut wall for soaking.

Oesophagal Peristalsis

Peristaltic waves in the oesophagus begin at the tube’s top end and travel the length of the tube, propelling food into the stomach. Oesophageal peristalsis is a name for this condition.

The secondary peristaltic waves, which remove residual particles, start with the meal particles left behind the oesophagus. The whole longitude of the tube is occupied by a single wave. Reverse peristalsis occurs in animals that are cud-chewing such as camels, giraffes, sheep and cattle, bringing the food back to the mouth to chew.

After the stomach is fully filled, the peristaltic waves go away. Until the extra lipids in the meal particles are diluted by stomach secretions, these motions are halted. These waves aid in the mixing of the contents of the stomach and the movement of food into the small intestine. Two to three waves usually occur simultaneously in different parts of the stomach.

Peristalsis In Urinary Tract

Peristalsis aids in the flow of food and urine through the oesophagus, digestive system and intestines. The transport of liquids from the kidneys to the bladder is caused by peristalsis in two of the urinary tract tubes. The liquid is expelled from the body over the urethra in the way of urine as a result of the peristaltic action.

Gastric Juice

Once we put food into our mouth, the stomach produces gastric fluids. When food enters the stomach, these gastric secretions dissolve it, starting the digestion process.

Bolus is the name given to the meal that has been chewed and swallowed. It mixes with gastric secretions generated by specific glands in the stomach lining, such as the pyloric gland in the lower stomach, the oxyntic glands in the major body of the stomach, and the cardiac glands in the upper stomach.

All glands have specialized cells that create specific components, these components are referred to as gastric juices combined. Bicarbonate and mucus are created by neck cells, parietal cells produce hydrochloric acid, main cells emit pepsinogen, and enteroendocrine cells are secreted by various hormones.

Intrinsic factors, enzymes, mucus, hydrochloric acid, water and electrolytes are among the components of gastric juices.

Reverse Peristalsis

Anti-peristalsis, also known as reverse peristalsis, is an intestinal contraction in the form of a wave that occurs in the opposite direction of regular contraction and causes the contents of the tube to be driven backwards.

It’s the inverse of involuntary smooth muscle contractions, and it happens before vomiting. Stomach irritation, particularly food poisoning, activates the brain’s emetic centre, which signals an instant vomiting reflex.

Peristalsis Function

Peristalsis is a motion in the form of a wave that involves muscular contractions to transport food and fluids. Because it is an unintentional muscular response, it cannot be controlled by the volition of the individual. The smooth muscles, which are implicated in peristalsis, only work when they are stimulated.

Peristalsis is a crucial digestive process that can be disrupted in certain circumstances. Diarrhoea or constipation can occur when there is no peristalsis. Peristalsis motion dysfunction is frequently indicated by these minor indications. It can occur as a side effect of medicine or as a symptom of an illness called motility disorder. Motility problems are a challenging disease to treat, thus they must be addressed.