esophageal phase

The esophageal phase is the final part of swallowing where the food or liquid, after leaving the mouth and passing through the throat, moves down the esophagus—the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach. During this phase, the muscles in the esophagus contract in a coordinated wave, pushing the swallowed material downward. A ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus then relaxes to allow entry into the stomach. This process usually happens automatically and efficiently, ensuring food reaches the stomach safely and smoothly.