Which structure connects the mouth to the stomach via peristaltic movement?

Which structure connects the mouth to the stomach via peristaltic movement?

• A. Esophagus
• B. Pharynx
• C. Tongue
• D. Larynx

Answer: (A)

Moving swallowed food from the mouth into the stomach is accomplished by peristaltic contractions in the esophagus. This muscular tube uses coordinated waves of muscle squeezing to push the bolus downward toward the stomach, aided by the lower esophageal sphincter as it enters the stomach. The pharynx mainly routes food toward the esophagus but doesn’t propel it to the stomach by peristalsis. The tongue shapes and pushes food within the mouth, and the larynx helps protect the airway, not move food to the stomach. So the structure responsible for connecting the mouth to the stomach via peristaltic movement is the esophagus.

Moving swallowed food from the mouth into the stomach is accomplished by peristaltic contractions in the esophagus. This muscular tube uses coordinated waves of muscle squeezing to push the bolus downward toward the stomach, aided by the lower esophageal sphincter as it enters the stomach. The pharynx mainly routes food toward the esophagus but doesn’t propel it to the stomach by peristalsis. The tongue shapes and pushes food within the mouth, and the larynx helps protect the airway, not move food to the stomach. So the structure responsible for connecting the mouth to the stomach via peristaltic movement is the esophagus.