Question

The swallowed food moves downwards in the alimentary canal because of

• A. the force provided by the muscular tongue
• B. the flow of water taken with the food.
• C. gravitational pull
• D. the contraction of muscles in the wall of the food pipe.

Answer 1

The correct option is D

the contraction of muscles in the wall of the food pipe.

The correct option is D.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. When food goes into the food pipe (esophagus) the muscles in the wall of the esophagus start contracting and relaxing alternatively thereby producing a wave-like movement called 'peristalsis'.
2. Movements are necessary for forwarding the food downwards in the alimentary canal.
3. The smooth muscles of the alimentary canal also promote pushing down the food from the esophagus by peristalsis.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

The swallowed food moves downwards in the alimentary canal because of the force provided by the muscular tongue.

Option B:

The swallowed food moves downwards in the alimentary canal because of the flow of water taken with the food.

Option C:

The swallowed food moves downwards in the alimentary canal because of gravitational pull.

Final Answer: the swallowed food moves downwards in the alimentary canal because of the contraction of muscles in the wall of the food pipe.