Peristalsis

Question

Peristalsis
A) cannot be affected by drugs.
B) is caused by contraction of smooth muscle.
C) only occurs within the small intestines.
D) normally moves chyme into the biliary tree.

Accepted Answer

Peristalsis is the wave-like contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles in the digestive tract that moves food and chyme along the gastrointestinal tract. It is mainly caused by the contraction of smooth muscles, which can be affected by drugs. Peristalsis occurs throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract, not just in the small intestine. It normally moves chyme through the small intestine and into the large intestine, not into the biliary tree.