How does the muscular system interact with the digestive system?
A.
Food is moved through the small intestine.
B.
Oxygen is moved into and out of the lungs.
C.
Saliva production increases at the sight or smell of food.
D.
Nutrients are absorbed and transported to other body parts
D. Nutrients are absorbed and transported to other body parts.
The muscular system plays a crucial role in the movement of food along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is part of the digestive system. The smooth muscles in the walls of the GI tract contract and relax involuntarily, known as peristalsis, to move food through the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines so that nutrients can be absorbed by the body. In addition, the skeletal muscles in the mouth and throat help in chewing and swallowing food, while the muscles of the abdominal wall contract during defecation. Therefore, the muscular system enables the digestive system to function properly and extract nutrients from food for energy and bodily processes.