Which two forces or processes propel food down the esophagus?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Peristalsis is the involuntary contraction and relaxation of muscles in the esophagus that push food in a forward motion towards the stomach. Gravity can also assist in this process, but peristalsis is the primary force responsible for propelling food down the esophagus. Rhythmic segmentation and deglutition are involved in the digestive process, but they do not directly propel food down the esophagus. Mastication is the process of chewing food and does not occur in the esophagus.

Which Two Forces or Processes Propel Food Down the Esophagus