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Question 27

A swallowed food ball moves through the esophagus, or food pipe, even when gravity is not helping. What drives it toward the stomach?

  1. Teeth inside the esophagus
  2. Air flowing down the trachea
  3. Peristaltic muscle contractionsCorrect answer
  4. Gravity as the only possible force

Explanation

Waves of coordinated muscle contraction called peristalsis propel swallowed food along the esophagus. Gravity may assist in some positions, but it is not required for this muscular transport mechanism.

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Question 27: A swallowed food ball moves through the esophagus, or food… · Human Body Systems · Questena