Which clears and flushes food during inter-digestive period?
**Core Concept**
The inter-digestive period, also known as the inter-digestive interval or interprandial period, is the time between meals when the digestive system is in a state of relative quiescence. During this period, the digestive system undergoes a process called "clearance" to remove residual food particles and prepare for the next meal.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the process of gastric emptying and intestinal clearance. The inter-digestive period is characterized by a decrease in gastric acid secretion, a reduction in gut motility, and increased release of gastrointestinal hormones such as cholecystokinin (CCK) and secretin. These hormones stimulate the release of pancreatic and biliary secretions, which help to clear the gastrointestinal tract of residual food particles.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This is incorrect because it refers to the process of gastric secretion, which is not directly related to the clearance of food during the inter-digestive period.
**Option B:** This is incorrect because it refers to the process of gastric emptying, which is a separate process from the clearance of food during the inter-digestive period.
**Option C:** This is incorrect because it refers to the process of peristalsis, which is a wave-like muscle contraction that moves food through the digestive system, but is not directly related to the clearance of food during the inter-digestive period.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The inter-digestive period is a critical time for gut motility and clearance, and any disruption to this process can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
**Correct Answer: C. Cholecystokinin (CCK).**