The smooth muscle contractions of the GI tract that move the food mass

• A. Segmentation
• B. Digestion
• C. Peristalsis
• D. Mastication

Answer: (C)

Peristalsis is the wave-like contraction of smooth muscle that propels the food bolus through the digestive tract. It creates sequential squeezing motions that push contents forward from one segment to the next, coordinating with sphincters to move food from the esophagus through the stomach and into the intestines. This propulsive action distinguishes it from segmentation, which mixes and churns contents to improve contact with digestive enzymes rather than moving it forward. Digestion refers to breaking down food into smaller molecules, and mastication is the initial chewing in the mouth.