Food moves down the gut by peristalsis. Which region of brain controls peristalsis?

Peristalsis is a series of muscular contractions that sweep along the gastrointestinal tract, causing a localized narrowing that pushes food and waste material from the mouth to the anus for excretion.

In much of a digestive tract such as the human gastrointestinal tract, smooth muscle tissue contracts in sequence to produce a peristaltic wave, which propels a ball of food (called a bolus while in the esophagus and upper gastrointestinal tract and chyme in the stomach), along the tract. Peristaltic movement comprises relaxation of circular smooth muscles, then their contraction behind the chewed material to keep it from moving backward, then longitudinal contraction to push it forward.

It is controlled by medulla oblongata of the cerebrum as it is involuntary action. This section of the brain helps transfer messages to the spinal cord and the thalamus, which is in the brain, from the body. The main function of the thalamus is to process information to and from the spinal cord and the cerebellum.

The medulla oblongata helps regulate breathing, heart and blood vessel function, digestion, sneezing, and swallowing. This part of the brain is a center for respiration and circulation. Sensory and motor neurons (nerve cells) from the forebrain and midbrain travel through the medulla.

There are some functions of hypothalamus also in this process.