2007-04-11 13:59:44 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
We don't just swallow by gravity. Gravity doesn't hurt, but water and other materials are moved along the esophagus by coordinated contractions of the muscles that push the swallowed substance in the right direction.
2007-04-11 14:06:53 · answer #1 · answered by ecolink 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've never tried this - but your smooth muscle lined gut - beginning with your esophagus - pushes the water into your stomach, and beyond, through normal motion (swallowing).
It's not gravity that brings food or water to your gut - it's the musculature of the esophagus. Likewise - smooth muscle contractions continue to propel your nutrients through and out of your body!
Keep studying science!
2007-04-15 20:48:39 · answer #2 · answered by Bryan 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because gravity doesn't carry your food to your stomach. The muscles in your esophagus push the food toward your stomach. They can do this even when you're upside down.
2007-04-11 21:08:24 · answer #3 · answered by John F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when you activate the swallowing mechanism the following occurs:
the soft palate & uvula elevates to close off the nasopharynx;
the epiglottis closes off the top of the trachea;
longitudinal muscles of the pharynx contract;
inferior constrictor muscles relax and esophagus opens;
peristalic waves push substance through pharynx
2007-04-12 01:02:31 · answer #4 · answered by AT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your tongue moves the water down (or up) your throat, got gravity
2007-04-11 21:04:18 · answer #5 · answered by Amy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋