# Explain how the process of peristalsis moves food along the alimentary canal.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 2.11 Transport: humans · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Muscles in the wall of the alimentary canal contract (behind the bolus)
2. Muscles relax in front of the bolus / ahead of the food
3. This produces a wave-like / squeezing movement that pushes the bolus forward
4. This moves the bolus along the alimentary canal / digestive tract from mouth towards the anus

## Key terms

- [peristalsis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/peristalsis)
- [alimentary canal](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alimentary-canal)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-process-of-peristalsis-c7ddebda) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.