PARISTALSIS
\pˌaɹɪstˈalsɪs], \pˌaɹɪstˈalsɪs], \p_ˌa_ɹ_ɪ_s_t_ˈa_l_s_ɪ_s]\
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[Greek] A mode of muscular action observed in the alimentary canal and other tubes provided with both circular and longitudinal muscular fibres, in which a wave of contraction passes from the upper part of the tube to the lower, the part that is for the time being contracted relaxing as the wave passes on. By means of p. the contents of the tube are forced from above downward.
By Alexander Duane
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Snake's-head
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