What are involuntary contractions that move food through the gastrointestinal system called?

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Multiple Choice

What are involuntary contractions that move food through the gastrointestinal system called?

Explanation:
Peristalsis is the wave-like, involuntary contraction of the smooth muscles in the walls of the GI tract that moves contents forward. These rhythmic contractions push the swallowed food down the esophagus and continue to propel chyme through the stomach and intestines, helping digestion along. This movement is controlled by the enteric nervous system, not by conscious effort. The other terms describe different processes: digestion is the chemical breakdown of food, absorption is the uptake of nutrients, and metabolism covers the chemical reactions inside cells.

Peristalsis is the wave-like, involuntary contraction of the smooth muscles in the walls of the GI tract that moves contents forward. These rhythmic contractions push the swallowed food down the esophagus and continue to propel chyme through the stomach and intestines, helping digestion along. This movement is controlled by the enteric nervous system, not by conscious effort. The other terms describe different processes: digestion is the chemical breakdown of food, absorption is the uptake of nutrients, and metabolism covers the chemical reactions inside cells.

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