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

3999 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe how ions, water and sugar are obtained and transported through plants. In your answer you should refer to materials moving upwards and downwards in a plant. (6 marks)


Explain why it is important to take a full course of prescribed antibiotics.


MRSA and C. difficile are resistant bacterial strains which cause life-threatening infections in hospitals. Explain how MRSA/ C. difficile could arise from non-resistant bacteria. [6 marks]


Describe the process of breathing.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning