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Esophagus facts for kids

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Esophagus
Tractus intestinalis esophagus.svg
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.


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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Esófago para niños

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