Which muscles in the gut wall are involved in peristalsis?

Circular muscles -  reduce the diameter of the gut when they contract

Longitudinal muscles - which reduce the length of the gut when they contract

The muscles work together to produce wave-like contractions. These have a ‘squeezing action’ that pushes the bolus through the gut.

YC
Answered by Yashaswini C. Biology tutor

4223 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How does blood flow and oxygenation work in respect to the chambers of the heart?


Describe three ways in which the body maintains its temperature in different climates


What is the difference between a gene, a chromosome and DNA?


Biology AQA Past Paper (2015) - Unit 03 (Higher). Describe how the brain monitors body temperature.


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