Food Pathway: From Swallowing to the Stomach

After chewing and swallowing, food enters the esophagus (oesophagus)—a muscular tube (~25 cm) connecting the pharynx to the stomach.

Transport Mechanism

• Peristalsis: Coordinated circular muscle contractions propel the bolus downward.
• Upper esophageal sphincter (UES): Opens for bolus entry; prevents air entry.
• Lower esophageal sphincter (LES): Opens to allow entry into stomach; prevents reflux.
• Transit time: ~5–10 seconds.

Clinical Note

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), odynophagia (painful swallowing), or reflux suggest esophageal dysfunction: motility disorder, stricture, GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis, or malignancy.