Esophagus

The muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach.

The dense, muscular tube, 9 to 10 inches long, that extends from the back of the throat (pharynx) to the stomach.

The muscular tube through which food and liquids pass from the mouth to the stomach.

Gullet; the muscular canal, about 24 centimeters (10 inches) long, that connects the pharynx and stomach; food passes through it by waves of peristalsis.

A flexible, muscular tube leading from the pharynx to the stomach.

The muscular tube that passes from the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. When food is swallowed, the upper portion of the esophagus relaxes so the food can move into it. Then the food is automatically passed down to the stomach by rhythmic waves of muscular contractions (peristalsis). Gastroesophageal reflux disease is caused by a dysfunction of the sphincter valve; too much acid moves into the esophagus and causes heartburn.

The muscular tube that passes from the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. When food is swallowed, the upper portion of the esophagus relaxes so that the food can move into it. Then the food is automatically passed down to the stomach by rhythmic waves of muscular contractions (peristalsis). Cells in the lining of the esophagus secrete mucus so that the food pieces slide down smoothly. At the lower end of the esophagus, a sphincter relaxes as food approaches, allowing it to enter the stomach. This sphincter controls the amount of food that enters the stomach at one time. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is caused by a dysfunction of the sphincter valve; too much acid moves into the esophagus and causes heartburn.

A muscular tube, about 23 cm long, that extends from the pharynx to the stomach. It is lined with mucous membrane, whose secretions lubricate food as it passes from the mouth to the stomach. Waves of peristalsis assist the passage of food.

The muscular tube, about 10 to 12 in (25 to 30 cm) long, that carries swallowed foods and liquids from the pharynx to the stomach. In the upper third of the esophagus, the muscle is striated; in the middle third, striated and smooth; and in the lower third, entirely smooth. Peristalsis is regulated by the autonomic nervous system. At the junction with the stomach is the lower esophageal sphincter, which relaxes to permit passage of food, then contracts to prevent backup of stomach contents.

A long, straight tube that connects the pharynx (throat) to the stomach and through which food moves to get into the stomach.

The muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach.

The muscular tube that connects the mouth and the stomach.

The tubular structure comprised of muscles that extends from the posterior part of the throat to the stomach, coated with a protective layer of mucus, and facilitates the propulsion of food towards the stomach through muscular contractions.