What is the term for the muscle contractions that move food down the esophagus?

Peristalsis is the term used to describe the series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food down the esophagus and through the digestive tract. This process occurs involuntarily and is essential for the propulsion of food, allowing it to travel from the mouth to the stomach.

The esophagus consists of smooth muscle that contracts and relaxes in a coordinated manner, creating a rhythmic motion that pushes the food bolus along. This mechanism is crucial for digestion, as it ensures that food reaches the stomach where further breakdown can occur.

In contrast, chyme refers to the semi-fluid mass of mixed food and digestive juices found in the stomach and small intestine after food has been partially digested. Amylase is an enzyme that helps break down carbohydrates but is not directly involved in the movement of food. Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach but does not pertain to muscle contractions. Thus, peristalsis is the accurate term for the muscle contractions responsible for moving food down the esophagus.