Question

Which process causes the movement of the food down the esophagus?

Answer 1

The esophagus is a muscular canal that links the pharynx to the stomach. The esophagus is around inches in length and coated with mucosa, a damp pink membrane. The esophagus is between the heart and trachea in front and spine at the back. The esophagus travels through the diaphragm just before entering the stomach.

Complete answer:
The transportation of food down the esophagus is caused by the process known as peristalsis. Peristalsis is a wave-like contraction and expiration of muscles that occurs in a radially symmetrical pattern. Smooth muscles in the esophagus flex in a series of contractions, generating a peristaltic wave that drives the bolus (food ball) up the tract. The movement consists of:
circular smooth muscle relaxation;
the constriction of the muscle there next to the bolus, which prohibits it from moving rearward;
Push the bolus ahead with a transverse contraction.

Additional information:
Peristalsis is an autonomic muscle activity; thus, it cannot be controlled. Peristalsis is a vital part of digestion, and it may not function properly in several cases. When there is no peristalsis, a person will experience diarrhea or constipation. These are usually inconspicuous symptoms that the peristalsis movement is malfunctioning.

Note:
Peristalsis is a succession of muscle contractions that propel food through the gastrointestinal tract in a wave-like pattern. Powerful wave-like movements of the smooth muscle of the esophagus transport pellets of swallowed food to the stomach. The foodstuff is churned into chyme, a liquid blend that travels into the small intestine and sustains peristalsis.