Food is Moved Through the Digestive System by ____

Question

Food is moved through the digestive system by ____.  
A) sphincters
B) accessory organs
C) smooth muscle contractions
D) movement of villi
E) skeletal muscle contractions

Accepted Answer

Smooth muscle contractions, also known as peristalsis, move food through the digestive system. Sphincters and accessory organs control the release of digestive enzymes and passage of food, but do not actively move food through the system. Villi aid in absorption of nutrients, but do not contribute to the actual movement of food. Skeletal muscle contractions are involved in swallowing, but not in the continued movement of food through the digestive system.