Food is moved through the alimentary canal by peristalsis, which involves periodic contraction and relaxation waves in the alimentary canal’s smooth muscles.
When food enters the stomach, the alimentary muscle walls expand, causing peristalsis to begin. This stimulus causes a circular contraction in the back of the brain and relaxation in the front. As a result, a wave of contraction and relaxation occurs, causing food to migrate.
Peristaltic movement happens from the mouth to the anal end of the gut at all times. A bolus is when food is ingested after it has been masticated. When the bolus stretches the alimentary canal, serotonin is released, which activates the myenteric plexus, which is located between the inner circular and outer longitudinal muscles.
Behind the bolus, a contracting segment is formed, while in front of the bolus, a relaxing segment is formed.
In the esophagus, there are three types of peristalsis. Primary peristaltic contractions are progressive they begin after food has been swallowed. Secondary peristaltic contractions are likewise progressive and are caused by the gut stretching. Tertiary movement is non-peristaltic and non-progressive.
Final Answer:
The movement of food within the alimentary canal is mostly caused by peristalsis. Muscle layers line the inside of the alimentary canal’s wall. The food is propelled forward by the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of these muscles.
Peristalsis is an involuntary contraction of muscles in the digestive tract that permits food to travel through the alimentary canal. Food digestion is aided by it.
