Peristaltic movement Esophagus Relaxed muscularis Circular muscles contract Lower Longitudinal muscles esophageal contract sphincter Relaxed muscularis ring-like movements Bolus of esophagus- contracting then Stomach relaxing to move food downward. Z-line:at the junction Anterior view of frontal sections peristalsis in esophagus 24.10Peristaltic movement ring-like movements of esophagus - contracting then relaxing to move food downward. Z-line: at the junction