Anatomic.us > Digestive System

Esophagus

The esophagus is the tubular passageway from the pharynx (back of the mouth) to the stomach through which food, saliva, and liquid passes. It is also called, more commonly, the gullet. It is part of the gastrointestinal tract and measures from  between 25-30 cm (9.8 -11.8 inches) in length. It is pinched off on both ends by the two sphincters which control both the passage of a bolus (food) and liquid from being aspirated into the trachea (windpipe) on the upper end (near the pharynx) called the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and the protection from a reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus on the lower end (near the stomach) called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

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Esophagus

The esophagus is formed in between these two sphincters by the muscular layers of this tube. It’s function is the passage of food from the mouth to the stomach.

 

Sphincters of the Esophagus:

  • Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES)

  • Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

The epiglottis acts like a lid covering that protects the entrance to the larynx (which is the route to the lungs for air passing through the trachea) by diverting the bolus (food ball) to the pharynx. The cricopharyngeal muscle, or upper esophageal sphincter, which has kept the esophagus closed until now, relaxes as the bolus approaches and allows it to enter the upper esophagus.

The pharyngeal peristalsis contraction continues into the esophagus and becomes the primary esophageal peristaltic contraction. The lower esophageal sphincter opens when the peristaltic contraction which pushed the food down the esophagus reaches the stomach and allows the bolus to enter the stomach. Afterward it closes to prevent the stomach’s gastric acid and content from entering the esophagus.


The esophagus is formed in between these two sphincters by the muscular layers of this tube. It’s function is the passage of food from the mouth to the stomach.

 

Sphincters of the Esophagus:

  • Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES)

  • Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

The epiglottis acts like a lid covering that protects the entrance to the larynx (which is the route to the lungs for air passing through the trachea) by diverting the bolus (food ball) to the pharynx. The cricopharyngeal muscle, or upper esophageal sphincter, which has kept the esophagus closed until now, relaxes as the bolus approaches and allows it to enter the upper esophagus.

The pharyngeal peristalsis contraction continues into the esophagus and becomes the primary esophageal peristaltic contraction. The lower esophageal sphincter opens when the peristaltic contraction which pushed the food down the esophagus reaches the stomach and allows the bolus to enter the stomach. Afterward it closes to prevent the stomach’s gastric acid and content from entering the esophagus.

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