Final answer:
Ingestion is the process of taking in food, propulsion involves the movement of food through the digestive tract, peristalsis is the alternating waves of muscle contraction and relaxation that moves food along the digestive tract.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distinguish among ingestion, propulsion, peristalsis, segmentation, digestion (mechanical and chemical) absorption and defecation
Ingestion refers to the process of taking in food or drink into the body. Propulsion includes the movement of food through the digestive tract, which is primarily achieved through peristalsis. Peristalsis is the process of alternating waves of muscle contraction and relaxation that moves food along the digestive tract.
Segmentation, mainly occurring in the small intestine, involves localized contractions of circular muscles that isolate sections of the intestine and mix the contents. Mechanical digestion refers to physical processes that break down food into smaller pieces and increase surface area for digestion, such as chewing and stomach churning. Chemical digestion refers to the breakdown of food by enzymes and other chemicals. Absorption involves the process of nutrients being taken up by the bloodstream. Finally, defecation is the elimination of waste materials from the body through the rectum and anus.