A child hanging upside down from a tree takes a bite from a candy bar. They manage to chew the candy and swallow it successfully. How does the bolus move along the esophagus?
A)Inhalation from the larynx sucks the bolus through the esophagus.
B)The esophagus undergoes peristalsis and the muscular movements force the bolus to the stomach, even against the force of gravity.
C)Because gravity is the main way the bolus travels to the stomach, the epiglottis pushes the bolus into the esophagus and forces it to remain there until the child returns to an upright position.
D)Because gravity is the main way the bolus travels to the stomach, the pharyngeal constrictor muscles push the bolus into the esophagus and force it to remain there until the child returns to an upright position.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When swallowing, the muscles in the esophagus undergo peristalsis, which is a wave-like contraction that helps to move the bolus towards the stomach. This occurs even when a person is upside down, as the muscular movements of peristalsis are strong enough to move the bolus against the force of gravity. Therefore, choice B is the best answer.

A Child Hanging Upside Down from a Tree Takes a Bite