The esophagus

The esophagus is a muscular tube about 8 inches long that connects your throat (pharynx) to your stomach. Its main function is to transport food and liquids you swallow from your mouth down to your stomach for digestion. When you swallow, the muscles in the esophagus contract in a coordinated wave, called peristalsis, which pushes the food downward. The esophagus also has a valve at its lower end called the lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents stomach acids from flowing back up. It plays a crucial role in the digestive process, ensuring smooth movement of ingested materials.