Muscle contractions that move food through the intestine.
Peristalsis is the involuntary wavelike movement of the smooth muscles in the digestive system that propels food from the esophagus to the rectum.
These contractions are coordinated by the enteric nervous system (the 'second brain'). The speed varies: 2-4 cm/s in the small intestine, much slower in the colon. Stress, certain medications, and functional intestinal disorders disrupt peristalsis.
To propel digestive content along the digestive tract and mix nutrients with enzymes.
Magnesium, fiber, and physical activity promote effective peristalsis.
Peristalsis is controlled by the enteric nervous system, which has as many neurons as the spinal cord.
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