What is the Difference Between Peristalsis and Antiperistalsis

The main difference between peristalsis and antiperistalsis is that peristalsis pushes the contents downwards to the intestine, whereas antiperistalsis pushes the contents from the intestine opposite to the normal. 

Peristalsis and antiperistalsis are two types of contractions in the GI tract, forcing the contents inside it.      

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Peristalsis
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is Antiperistalsis
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. Similarities Between Peristalsis and Antiperistalsis
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Peristalsis and Antiperistalsis
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Peristalsis and Antiperistalsis
– Answers to frequently asked questions

Key Terms  

Antiperistalsis, Peristalsis

What is Peristalsis

Peristalsis is a radially symmetrical muscular movement responsible for the propagation of materials. Generally, it is more common in the esophagus of the gastrointestinal tract, propelling a ball of food from the mouth to the stomach. The contraction of the circular muscles of the wall of the esophagus is responsible for peristalsis. Moreover, peristalsis produces a one-way movement.

Figure 1: Peristalsis

Furthermore, the primary peristaltic wave occurs first with the entrance of the bolus into the esophagus after swallowing. This wave lasts for about 8-9 seconds. However, if the bolus gets stuck or moves slowly, a secondary peristaltic wave occurs around the bolus with the stimulation of a local reflex. Therefore, it forces the bolus down.

What is Antiperistalsis

Antiperistalsis is the upward or backward wave-like movement of smooth muscles that helps to propel food from the stomach to the mouth. Therefore, it is the opposite process of peristalsis. Thus, it results in vomiting. Food poisoning and the irritation of the stomach result in antiperistalsis. They activate the emetic center of the brain, activating the vomiting reflex. Antiperistalsis begins in the small intestine and pyloric sphincter. Therefore, it results in the food movement from the duodenum into the stomach.

Figure 2: Vomiting

Similarities Between Peristalsis and Antiperistalsis

• Peristalsis and antiperistalsis are two contraction types that occur in the GI tract.
• They force the contents of the GI tract in different directions.
• Smooth muscles of the GI tract do them.
• Both are wave-like movements. 

Difference Between Peristalsis and Antiperistalsis

Definition

Peristalsis refers to the involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine or another canal, creating wave-like movements that push the canal’s contents forward. In contrast, antiperistalsis refers to contractions of the intestine that force the contents in the opposite direction to the normal. 

Direction of the Movement

Peristalsis pushes the contents downwards in the intestine, while antiperistalsis pushes the contents opposite to the normal. 

Occurrence

Peristalsis mainly occurs in the esophagus, while antiperistalsis mainly occurs in the stomach.

Function

Peristalsis moves the contents of the esophagus, while antiperistalsis moves the contents of the stomach to the mouth. 

Results in

Peristalsis results in the movement of the content into the stomach, while antiperistalsis results in vomiting.

FAQ: Peristalsis and Antiperistalsis

Why is vomiting called Antiperistalsis? 

Vomiting is the wave-like muscle contractions that occur opposite to the normal direction of the peristalsis. Therefore, it is called antiperistalsis. Retroperistalsis and reverse peristalsis are the other names of vomiting.

What are the mediators of peristalsis?

The main postprandial propulsive activity of the gut is peristalsis. The neurons of the enteric nervous system mediate peristalsis. Sensory, modulatory, and motor neurons are the three types of neurons that occur in the enteric nervous system.  

What are the other names of Antiperistalsis? 

Other names of antiperistalsis include retroperistalsis and reverse peristalsis. It occurs in the opposite direction to the peristalsis. 

Conclusion

In brief, peristalsis and antiperistalsis are two contraction types of the GI tract. Peristalsis pushes the contents of the GI tract downwards. It occurs in the esophagus. Therefore, it helps to move the contents into the stomach. On the other hand, antiperistalsis pushes the contents of the stomach into the mouth. Hence, the direction of the movement is opposite to that of the content in peristalsis. Therefore, the main difference between peristalsis and antiperistalsis is the direction of the movement.              

References:

1. Wikimedia Foundation. (2023ae, August 30). Peristalsis. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peristalsis

Image Courtesy:

1. “Peristalsis” By Auawise – Own Work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Symptoms-vomiting” By CDC – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia