peristalsis; peristaltic movement; vermiculation
Medical/biological term for the wave-like muscle contractions that move contents through the digestive tract or similar tubular organs.
Food moves through the intestines by peristalsis.
When peristaltic movement of the digestive tract decreases, constipation can occur.
Compound of 蠕動 (peristalsis, vermiculation) and 運動 (movement). 蠕動 itself is composed of 蠕 (wriggling, squirming) and 動 (move).