Question

Which process causes the movement of the food down the esophagus?

Answer 1

Peristalsis causes the movement of food down the oesophagus.

Explanation:

Peristalsis is a radially symmetrical contraction and relaxation of muscles that proceeds with a wave like motion.

In the oesophagus, smooth muscle tissue contracts in a sequential manner, creating a peristaltic wave, that propels the bolus ( ball of food ) along the tract. The movement comprises --

1) relaxation of circular smooth muscle
2) the contraction of muscle behind the bolus, thus preventing it's backward motion.
3) longitudinal contraction to push the bolus forward.