What aids in the movement of food through the esophagus?

Peristalsis is the process responsible for the movement of food through the esophagus. This rhythmic, wave-like contraction of the smooth muscles in the esophageal wall propels food from the throat down into the stomach. The swallowing reflex stimulates peristalsis, ensuring that food is moved along the digestive tract efficiently and in a coordinated manner.

Churning refers to the mixing of food, mainly occurring in the stomach, rather than the propulsion along the esophagus. Absorption is the process of nutrient uptake into the bloodstream, which happens primarily in the intestines, not in the esophagus. Digestion involves the breakdown of food into smaller components but does not pertain specifically to the movement of food through the esophagus. Therefore, peristalsis is clearly the mechanism that facilitates the transport of food through this particular part of the digestive system.