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Esophagus is the structural aspect that allows food to pass from the mouth to the stomach.

It is an important part of the Digestive System .

Food passes from the Oral Cavity after having minimal absorption.

Breakdown of food has already been by both mechanical and chemical measures.

During swallowing, the Epiglottis tilts backwards, this prevents food from going into the Lungs.

As the food bolus enters the esophagus it acts as a passageway from the mouth to the Stomach.

There may not be any appreciable breakdown or absorption that happens at this stage.

This area is a narrow tube that starts at the Pharynx and ends at the Stomach.

The wall is made of two smooth muscles 

–  The inner muscle is arranged circularly
–  The outer muscle is arranged longitudinally

The Esophagus is Divided into 3 areas:

–  Upper 1/3
–  Middle 1/3
–  Distal 1/3

Additional Important Information:

1.)  Food passes through by a process of peristalsis

2.)  The junction between the Esophagus and Stomach is called “GE junction” or “Gastroesophageal junction”

Medical Conditions that Can Affect the Esophagus

1.)  Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd)

2.)  Heartburn

3.)  Dyspepsia

4.)  Peptic Ulcers

5.)  Barrett’s esophagus

6.)  Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

7.)  Esophagial Cancer

8.)  Others