What happens to food in the esophagus?

1. Entry into the esophagus

When you swallow, the food moves from the mouth into the esophagus through a muscular tube called the pharynx. The pharynx connects the mouth to the esophagus.

2. Peristalsis

The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the pharynx to the stomach. It does this through a process called peristalsis. Peristalsis is a series of involuntary muscle contractions that move food down the esophagus. These contractions are coordinated by the nervous system.

3. Sphincters

The esophagus has two sphincters, the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The UES is located at the top of the esophagus and the LES is located at the bottom of the esophagus. These sphincters act as valves that control the flow of food into and out of the esophagus.

4. Mucus

The esophagus is lined with mucus. Mucus helps to lubricate the food as it moves down the esophagus. It also helps to protect the esophagus from damage caused by stomach acid.

5. Emptying into the stomach

When the food reaches the bottom of the esophagus, the LES opens and the food enters the stomach. The LES then closes to prevent stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus.