AI-generated practice question — model-generated for extra practice, not a previous-year CBSE board question.
The rhythmic muscular contractions that push food forward along the gut are called peristaltic movements (peristalsis).
The textbook (Ch. 5, section 5.2.4) states: "The lining of canal has muscles that contract rhythmically in order to push the food forward. These peristaltic movements occur all along the gut." For a fill-in-the-blank, either "peristalsis" or "peristaltic movements" is acceptable. Don't confuse this with churning movements in the stomach.