The Esophagus: Function and Role in Digestion

Esophagus:

- Muscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach.

- Functions:

- Transports food from the pharynx (throat) to the stomach by rhythmic waves of muscle contractions called peristalsis.

- Secretes mucus to help food move smoothly.

- Has muscular sphincters (lower esophageal sphincter) at its junction with the stomach to prevent backflow of food and gastric secretions into the esophagus.