Which muscle contractions are responsible for moving food through the esophagus?

Peristalsis is the correct answer because it refers specifically to the wave-like muscle contractions that occur in the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract. These contractions are coordinated, rhythmic, and involve both the circular and longitudinal muscles of the esophageal wall. The circular muscles contract behind the food bolus, preventing it from moving back, while the longitudinal muscles contract to shorten the segment of the esophagus, allowing the food to move downwards.

This coordinated contraction process is essential for pushing food from the throat to the stomach, making peristalsis a crucial mechanism in the digestive system. It ensures that food is transported efficiently, regardless of the position of the body.

While circular and longitudinal muscle contractions are involved in the process, they do not refer specifically to the coordinated action that results in the movement of food through the esophagus. Segmental contractions, on the other hand, are more about mixing and grinding food within the intestines and do not primarily facilitate the transport of food through the esophagus.