Peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract is best described as:
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Correct answer: Waves of contraction and relaxation propelling contents forward
Peristalsis consists of coordinated waves of contraction behind and relaxation ahead of a bolus. This pattern propels contents aborally through the gastrointestinal tract.
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More Motility and peristalsis questions
- Which muscle layer contraction primarily narrows the lumen during peristalsis?
- Which nerve plexus primarily coordinates peristaltic movements?
- Which type of movement mainly serves a mixing function in the small intestine?
- The primary pacemaker cells responsible for generating slow waves are:
- Which gastrointestinal region has the slowest basic electrical rhythm?
- Which hormone increases gastric motility and emptying?