In the Digestive System,peristalsis Is

Question

In the digestive system,peristalsis is
A)a process of fat emulsification in the small intestine.
B)voluntary control of the rectal sphincters regulating defecation.
C)the transport of nutrients to the liver through the hepatic portal vessel.
D)a common cause of loss of appetite, fatigue, and dehydration.
E)smooth muscle contractions that move food along the esophagus.

Accepted Answer

Peristalsis is a series of coordinated, rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle that move food along the digestive tract. It is responsible for the movement of food from the esophagus to the stomach, and from the small to the large intestine. Therefore, the best choice is E, smooth muscle contractions that move food along the esophagus. The other choices are incorrect. A refers to fat emulsification by bile in the small intestine; B refers to voluntary control of the rectal sphincters during defecation; C refers to the transport of nutrients by the hepatic portal vein; and D refers to symptoms of disease rather than a digestive process.