Esophagus (Oesophagus)

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. Its primary function is to transport food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach for digestion. When you swallow, the muscles in your throat and esophagus work together to move food and liquids down the esophagus and into the stomach. The esophagus has a circular band of muscle at its lower end called the lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents stomach acid and other contents from flowing back up into the esophagus. The esophagus is approximately 25 centimeters long and is located behind the trachea (windpipe) in the chest cavity. It is lined with a mucous membrane that helps to protect it from damage caused by food and stomach acid.