What is peristalsis?

Peristalsis is the mechanism by which gut muscles contract. There are two main types of muscle in the gut:

-longitudinal

-circular

Together, these muscles contract to create waves of movement. This allows food to travel through the digestive system.

SK
Answered by Saadiyah K. Biology tutor

7568 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes


Describe the cell cycle


Compare anaerobic respiration in a yeast cell with anaerobic respiration in a muscle cell.


How does water move from the soil into plant roots?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning