What term describes the involuntary wave-like contractions of smooth muscle in the digestive system?

Peristalsis is the term that describes the involuntary wave-like contractions of smooth muscle in the digestive system. This process is essential for moving food through the digestive tract, from the esophagus to the stomach and through the intestines. Peristalsis involves coordinated contractions that push the food along, allowing for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

In contrast, segmentation refers to the mixing movements in the intestines that aid in digestion but does not contribute to the forward movement of food as peristalsis does. Reflux describes the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus, which is not related to the contractions that propel food forward. Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing, which is a symptom rather than a physiological process like peristalsis. Understanding peristalsis is crucial for grasping how the digestive system functions efficiently to transport food.