When a region of smooth muscle in the esophagus contracts, just beyond that region the _______ muscle _______ and the longitudinal muscle _______, and food moves forward.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the esophagus, smooth muscle functions in a coordinated manner to move food from the throat to the stomach. When a region contracts, the circular muscle just beyond that region relaxes to allow the passage to widen for food to move forward, while the longitudinal muscle contracts to shorten that segment, propelling the food down. This process is known as peristalsis. The esophagus primarily contains smooth muscle, not skeletal muscle, making options involving skeletal muscle incorrect.

When a Region of Smooth Muscle in the Esophagus Contracts