3 Peristalsis
The food is moved along the gut by the action of two sets of muscles. One set runs along the gut and the other set runs around it, as you can see in the next video.
Download this video clip.Video player: Please note this video has no spoken audio.
Video _unit3.3.1 Please note this video has no spoken audio.
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).
The combined activity of these muscles produces ‘waves’ of contraction that push the food along (peristalsis). This enables you to eat and drink, and for the digesting food to travel along your gut, while you are lying down or even while standing on your head. The muscles work best if the food you eat contains plenty of fibre.