What term describes the series of wave-like contractions that move food through the digestive tract?

What term describes the series of wave-like contractions that move food through the digestive tract?

• A. Peristalsis
• B. Absorption
• C. Ingestion
• D. Digestion

Answer: (A)

The term that describes the series of wave-like contractions moving food through the digestive tract is peristalsis. This physiological process involves smooth muscle contractions that occur in a coordinated manner, propelling food from the esophagus down to the stomach and through the intestines. Peristalsis is essential for the proper movement of ingested materials, ensuring that they are mixed with digestive juices and gradually pushed along the digestive system for effective processing. Absorption refers to the process by which nutrients from digested food are taken up into the bloodstream through the walls of the intestines, while ingestion is the act of taking food into the mouth. Digestion encompasses the entire breakdown of food into smaller molecules, including both mechanical and chemical processes, but it is the peristaltic movements that specifically facilitate the transport of food through the digestive tract. Thus, peristalsis is the key term that accurately describes the muscular action responsible for moving food along.

The term that describes the series of wave-like contractions moving food through the digestive tract is peristalsis. This physiological process involves smooth muscle contractions that occur in a coordinated manner, propelling food from the esophagus down to the stomach and through the intestines. Peristalsis is essential for the proper movement of ingested materials, ensuring that they are mixed with digestive juices and gradually pushed along the digestive system for effective processing.

Absorption refers to the process by which nutrients from digested food are taken up into the bloodstream through the walls of the intestines, while ingestion is the act of taking food into the mouth. Digestion encompasses the entire breakdown of food into smaller molecules, including both mechanical and chemical processes, but it is the peristaltic movements that specifically facilitate the transport of food through the digestive tract. Thus, peristalsis is the key term that accurately describes the muscular action responsible for moving food along.