What are the structures joining pharynx to stomach?

Oesophagus

The oesophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It is about 25 cm long and runs through the mediastinum, the area in the chest between the lungs. The oesophagus is lined with mucous membrane and has a sphincter muscle at either end. The upper sphincter muscle, called the upper oesophageal sphincter (UES), prevents air from entering the oesophagus during breathing. The lower sphincter muscle, called the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), prevents stomach contents from refluxing into the oesophagus.

Pharyngoesophageal sphincter

The pharyngoesophageal sphincter (PES) is a muscular ring that separates the pharynx from the oesophagus. It is located at the level of the cricoid cartilage, the lowest cartilage in the larynx. The PES relaxes during swallowing to allow food and drink to pass into the oesophagus.

Gastroesophageal junction

The gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) is the point at which the oesophagus meets the stomach. It is located at the level of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. The GEJ is lined with mucous membrane and has a sphincter muscle called the gastroesophageal sphincter (GES). The GES relaxes during swallowing to allow food and drink to pass into the stomach.