Esophagus

The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries swallowed food and liquid from the throat to the stomach through coordinated contractions.

Peristalsis: A sequence of involuntary muscular contractions that moves contents through a hollow organ. Its coordinated contractions propel swallowed material down the esophagus.
Pharynx: A muscular passage behind the nose and mouth that connects them to the larynx and esophagus. It delivers swallowed material to the esophagus.
Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing that can arise from problems in the mouth, throat, or esophagus. Esophageal narrowing or impaired movement can make swallowing difficult.
Trachea: The airway that carries air from the larynx toward the bronchi. It lies in front of the esophagus but carries air rather than swallowed material.
Deglutition: The coordinated process of swallowing food, liquid, or saliva. Swallowing initiates the passage of material into the esophagus.
Stomach: A muscular digestive organ that receives food from the esophagus and mixes it with gastric secretions. The esophagus empties directly into this organ.
Achalasia: A disorder in which the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax normally and esophageal movement is impaired. It demonstrates how disrupted nerve control can obstruct passage into the stomach.
Larynx: An organ in the neck that protects the airway and produces voice. Its protective actions help keep swallowed material out of the respiratory route.
Upper esophageal sphincter: A muscular valve between the pharynx and esophagus that opens during swallowing. It controls entry from the throat and helps prevent air from entering.
Mucous membrane: A moist tissue lining that covers internal passages opening to or continuous with the body's exterior. The esophagus's lining protects its wall and helps food pass smoothly.

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