Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam 2025 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

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Which part of the gastrointestinal tract is responsible for peristalsis to move food along?

Mouth

Esophagus

Peristalsis is the rhythmic, wave-like contraction of smooth muscles that propels food along the gastrointestinal tract. The esophagus plays a crucial role in this process as it is the tube that connects the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. Once food is swallowed, the esophagus utilizes peristalsis to move the food bolus down towards the stomach, ensuring that the food is transported efficiently and without interruption.

This process is initiated in the pharynx and continues through the esophagus, with contractions of muscle layers pushing the food along. While the mouth participates in the initial stages of digestion and the stomach and small intestine also display peristaltic movements to mix and move food, it is specifically the esophagus that is dedicated to the transport of the swallowed material from the pharynx to the stomach. Thus, the esophagus is central to the process of peristalsis in the early stages of digestive transit.

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Stomach

Small intestine

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