Teeth
Peristalsis
Food is moved through the digestive system by a process called peristalsis. Two sets of muscles in the gut wall are involved:
circular muscles - which reduce the diameter of the gut when they contract
longitudinal muscles - which reduce the length of the gut when they contract
The muscles work together to produce wave-like contractions. These have a ‘squeezing action’ that pushes the bolus through the gut.
Three images of the oesophagus showing food traveling through by peristalsis. Circular muscles above the food contract causing a peristaltic wave. Circular muscles surrounding the food are relaxed.
Peristalsis continues to move food through the small intestine and the large intestine
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