Esophagus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Esophagus |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| The digestive tract, with the esophagus marked in red | |
| Latin | Oesophagus |
| System | Part of the digestive system |
| Artery | Oesophageal arteries |
| Vein | Oesophageal veins |
| Nerve | Sympathetic trunk, vagus |
| Precursor | Foregut |
The oesophagus (or esophagus) is also called the gullet. It is the part of the gastrointestinal system between the mouth and the stomach. It connects the pharynx and the stomach. It is about 25 centimetres (9.8 in) long.
The oesophagus is lined with muscle. This muscle pushes food down into the stomach. The oesophagus can contract or expand to allow for the passage of food. The muscular movement that pushes the food down the oesophagus is called peristalsis. At the entrance to the stomach there is a ring of muscle called a sphincter. This is usually closed, but relaxes as food approaches, allowing it to enter the stomach. In the stomach, the food is churned until it turns into a soupy mixture called chyme.
Images for kids
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The esophagus is constricted in three places.
See also
In Spanish: Esófago para niños
