Final answer:
c. Peristalsis is the term that refers to the rhythmic contraction of the esophagus to move a bolus from the throat to the stomach.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to the rhythmic contraction of the esophagus surrounding a bolus to move it from the throat to the stomach is c. peristalsis.
Peristalsis is a wave-like movement of the smooth muscles of the esophagus that propels the bolus forward. The circular muscle layer contracts to pinch the esophageal wall and force the bolus forward, while the longitudinal muscle layer contracts to shorten the area and push out its walls to receive the bolus. This series of contractions keeps moving the bolus toward the stomach.