Learning anatomy/Esophagus

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Learning anatomy - Stomach

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The esophagus is a tube connecting the throat to the stomach. The parts of the esophagus are the upper esophagus, middle esophagus, and lower esophagus. The esophagus also passes through a hole in the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus.

Diagram showing the parts of the oesophagus CRUK 479

Function[edit | edit source]

The function of the esophagus is to move the swallowed food from the throat into the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter or cardiac sphincter is between the lower esophagus and cardiac region of the stomach. Peristalsis happens throughout the gastrointestinal tract.