Anatomy of the Digestive System (cont.)

Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz

Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures

Heartburn? Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow

Medical Author:

Marianne Rieser

Coauthor:

Sandeep Mukherjee, MD, MB, BCh

Medical Editor:

Simmy Bank, MD, MB, ChB

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

BS Anand, MD

Esophagus

Once food is swallowed, it enters the esophagus, a muscular tube that is about 10 inches long. The esophagus is located between the throat and the stomach. Muscular wavelike contractions known as peristalsis push the food down through the esophagus to the stomach. A muscular ring (called the cardiac sphincter) at the end of the esophagus allows food to enter the stomach, and, then, it squeezes shut to prevent food and fluid from going back up the esophagus.

Stomach»

«Previous

...

(Page 3 of 10)

Glossary