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

More general terms

• physiologic process

More specific terms

• gastric motility/emptying
• intestinal motility