What is the process by which food moves through the digestive tract using muscular contractions?

The process by which food moves through the digestive tract using muscular contractions is known as peristalsis. This is a coordinated, wave-like muscle contraction that occurs in the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, pushing food and liquid through the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and ultimately out of the body. Peristalsis is essential for the proper movement of food and is critical for the overall function of the digestive system.

Digestion refers to the chemical and mechanical breakdown of food into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body. While digestion occurs throughout the digestive process, it does not specifically describe the movement of food through the digestive tract.

Absorption is the process by which digested nutrients are taken up into the bloodstream from the intestines, allowing the body to utilize the nutrients from food. It occurs after peristalsis has pushed the food into the intestines, making it available for absorption.

Respiration is the biochemical process of breaking down glucose to obtain energy, involving breathing and the exchange of gases in the body, but it is not related to the movement of food through the digestive system.

Peristalsis is a key function of the digestive system that facilitates the transit of food, making it the correct answer in this