Which sequence correctly describes the route of food through the digestive system?

The correct sequence of the route food takes through the digestive system is accurately represented by the choice. Food intake begins in the mouth, where it is mechanically broken down by chewing and mixed with saliva, initiating the digestion process. After the mouth, the food travels down the esophagus, a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The esophagus uses rhythmic contractions (peristalsis) to push the food down into the stomach, where it undergoes further digestion through the action of gastric juices and enzymes. This sequence reflects the proper pathway food follows from ingestion to reaching the stomach, providing crucial context for understanding human digestion.