LEARN more about the ESOPHAGUS
A collapsible muscular tube, about 25 cm (10 inches) long, that serves as a passageway between the pharynx and the stomach. It forms part of the gastrointestinal tract. Food passes down the esophagus by gravity and peristalsis.
The oesophagus begins in the neck, where it is continuous with the lower part of the pharynx. It descends through the lower part of the neck behind the trachea, and enters the thorax at the inlet... Read more...
Function of the Esophagus
The esophagus is a vital part of the digestive system and plays a major role in transporting food, saliva and liquids to the stomach. The main function of the esophagus is to transport food from the mouth to the stomach. This esophagus function is carried out by a layer of muscles, lining the wall of the esophagus, called sphincters.
The food in the esophagus is transported to the stomach by a series of contractions caused by sphincters. Food in the mouth is carried to the esophagus by peristalsis, a process where muscles contract to push food through the esophagus to the stomach. When this process occurs, the muscles or sphincters automatically close in order to stop food from returning to the mouth or esophagus. Apart from this function, sphincters also release certain enzymes that help in the semi digestion of food in the esophagus. Read more...
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