Final answer:
Involuntary waves of muscle contractions that keep food moving in one direction through the digestive system are called peristalsis. Peristalsis occurs throughout most of the alimentary canal, which includes organs like the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Involuntary waves of muscle contractions that keep food moving in one direction through the digestive system are called peristalsis. Peristalsis occurs throughout most of the alimentary canal, which includes organs like the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. It is an important process for the movement and propulsion of food through the digestive system.