peristalsis

Peristalsis is a series of coordinated, wave-like muscle contractions in the walls of the digestive tract. These contractions help move food and liquids from the esophagus to the stomach and then through the intestines. Essentially, peristalsis acts like a conveyor belt, squeezing the contents forward in a controlled manner. This process is vital for digestion and nutrient absorption, ensuring that food progresses smoothly along the digestive system. It occurs involuntarily, regulated by the nervous system, and is consistent throughout much of the digestive tract.