Which description best differentiates peristalsis from segmentation in the digestive tract?

• A. Peristalsis exclusively occurs in the stomach to churn food while segmentation only occurs in the esophagus to facilitate swallowing
• B. Peristalsis is random contraction for mixing only, whereas segmentation is a continuous unidirectional wave that moves chyme rapidly through the colon
• C. Peristalsis is a coordinated wave of contraction that propels contents distally; segmentation consists of localized contractions that mix luminal contents without unidirectional propulsion
• D. Peristalsis and segmentation are identical processes but use different muscle fiber types in the small and large intestine respectively

Answer: (C)