Question

Two sets of muscles in the esophagus produce waves of squeezing and pushing contractions to move food toward the stomach. this is called what?

Answer 1

The answer is peristalsis. These movements are involuntary and are controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The lining of the esophagus is lined with circular and longitudinal smooth muscles that power this movement. It is the same muscle mechanism that is utilized by worms in their movement.