Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

In which organ do muscles push food into the stomach via peristalsis?

1. Stomach

2. Esophagus

3. Small intestine

4. Large intestine

The correct answer is: Esophagus

The esophagus is the organ responsible for pushing food into the stomach through a process called peristalsis. Peristalsis is a series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract. When a person swallows, the muscles in the esophagus contract in a coordinated manner, pushing the food bolus downwards towards the stomach. This movement is crucial for the proper passage of food, ensuring that it travels efficiently from the mouth to the stomach for further digestion. In contrast, the stomach primarily functions to mix and break down food after it has been pushed in from the esophagus, while the small intestine is involved in further digestion and nutrient absorption. The large intestine's role is mainly to absorb water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter and to form waste for elimination, rather than pushing food towards the stomach. Thus, the esophagus stands out as the correct answer, given its specific role in transporting food through peristalsis.