Food moves through this to the stomach a. Food is moved through this tube by peristalsis , muscular contractions of smooth muscle which lines the entire alimentary canal c. This seals off the stomach from the esophagus, thereby holding food in the stomach d. The swallowing reflex is involuntary, once it is initiated i. As part of this reflex, lung passageways are closed off 4.
Peristaltic contractions help to break up the food ii.
It is lined by epithelial cells which are thrown into a series of folds and grooves known as gastric pits i. This acid breaks down connective tissues, muscle fibers, and other things in food iii. Caused when normal protective mechanisms break down i. The epithelium is then damaged as pepsin and other materials begin to break down the stomach wall ii. When this becomes severe, a bleeding ulcer develops 5.