Question

compare segmentation to peristalsis and how does the name change of food as it travels along Gastrointestinal tract.

explain in 250 words

Answer 1

The segmentation and peristalsis are two type of movement of the smooth muscle along the gastrointestinal tract which helps in movement of the food along the GI tract. However, the major difference between both is the peristalsis movement helps in pushing the food down in a single direction via alternate contraction and relaxation of the circular and longitudinal muscles which are present in the GI tract. Hence it helps in pushing the food in the downward direction. However, when it comes to the segmentation, it involves the contraction of only the circular muscles that are present within the intestine and it helps in breaking the food into smaller particles by mixing it with gastric secretions. The peristalsis creates a wave like movement of contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle and this helps in propelling and pushing the food from mouth downward along the GI tract and this majorly starts from the esophagus. The segmentation process mainly occurs in the small and large intestine and through this type of movement, the GI tract helps in mixing the chyme to the secretions and helps in breaking it further making it easy for digestion. Through the process of segmentation, it helps in movement of the chyme in both up and downward direction and it is caused only by the circular muscle contraction of the GI tract. Hence through peristalsis, it helps in propelling the food and through segmentation it helps in mixing the chyme with gastric secretion aimed at further breakdown of food. The food breakdown is low in peristalsis as compared to segmentation.