Food follows the alimentary canal, starting in the mouth. Saliva mixes with food during the to form bolus, which is easier to digest. As soon as food enters the pharynx, involuntary muscle contractions propel the food through its first section, the oropharynx, then through to the esophagus, the stomach, and the intestines. The constrictive muscles found in the pharynx are crucial to the digestive process.

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