The digestion starts in the mouth where the food mixes which saliva. Saliva is produced by the salivary glands which makes the food slimy and makes it easy to be swallowed. Once the food is salllowed then it enters to a long tube like structure called Oesophagus. The walls of the oesophagus contract and relax to produce wave like movements called Peristaltic movements. These movements help to move the food down into a big sack like structure called stomach.

The movement of food in the food pipe is called peristaltic movement.

Peristalsis is the process by which food is moved through the digestive system, particularly in the food pipe or esophagus. It is a coordinated, rhythmic movement of smooth muscles that propels food from the mouth to the stomach. This movement is essential for the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

How does peristaltic movement work?
The movement of food in the food pipe is achieved through a series of muscular contractions and relaxations. Here is how peristalsis works:

1. Ingestion: Food is first chewed and mixed with saliva in the mouth. It then travels down the throat and enters the esophagus.

2. Relaxation: The muscles in the esophagus remain relaxed initially, allowing food to pass through.

3. Contraction: When food enters the esophagus, the circular muscles in the walls of the esophagus contract behind the food bolus, narrowing the lumen and pushing it forward.

4. Relaxation: Once the food bolus has passed, the circular muscles relax, allowing the esophagus to expand and accommodate more food.

5. Contraction: The process of contraction and relaxation continues in a wave-like motion, pushing the food downwards towards the stomach.

6. Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES): At the lower end of the esophagus, there is a ring of muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter. This sphincter opens to allow food to enter the stomach and then closes to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.

7. Stomach: Once the food reaches the stomach, a similar peristaltic movement called gastric peristalsis helps mix the food with stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

8. Intestines: Peristalsis continues in the intestines, where it assists in the further breakdown and absorption of nutrients.

Benefits of peristaltic movement:
Peristaltic movement plays a crucial role in the digestion process. Some of its benefits include:

- Efficient movement of food: The rhythmic contractions and relaxations of the smooth muscles in the esophagus ensure that food is efficiently transported from the mouth to the stomach.

- Prevention of reflux: The lower esophageal sphincter prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus, preventing acid reflux or heartburn.

- Mixing of food with digestive juices: Peristalsis in the stomach and intestines helps mix food with stomach acid and digestive enzymes, facilitating the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.

In conclusion, peristaltic movement is the coordinated contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles in the food pipe, which allows for the efficient movement of food from the mouth to the stomach. This process is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Peristaltic movement. It's the scientific name