2.28: Explain How and Why Food is Moved through the Gut by Peristalsis

PERISTALSIS: Wavelike Contractions that Push the Food Bolus Down the Oesophagus

PERISTALSIS

Diagram Showing the Process of Peristalsis

PERISTALSIS OCCURS BY THE CONTRACTION OF TWO MUSCLES: Circular Muscle - Contracts to Change the Radius of the Oesophagus Longitudinal Muscle - Contracts to Change the Length of the Oesophagus Together, they create Wave - Like Contractions that will Push the Food Bolus Down

PURPOSE OF PERISTALSIS: Push Food Down without the Force of Gravity Large Food Boluses Do Not get Stuck