The esophagus connects the pharynx (throat) with the stomach. It lies between the trachea (windpipe) and the spine. It passes down the neck and joins the cardiac (upper) end of the stomach. In an adult, the esophagus is about 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. When a person swallows, the muscular walls of the esophagus contract to push food down into the stomach. Glands in the lining of the esophagus produce mucus, which keeps the passageway moist and facilitates swallowing.
The Esophagus
The esophagus connects the pharynx (throat) with the stomach. It lies between the trachea (windpipe) and the spine. It passes down the neck and joins the cardiac (upper) end of the stomach. In an adult, the esophagus is about 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. When a person swallows, the muscular walls of the esophagus contract to push food down into the stomach. Glands in the lining of the esophagus produce mucus, which keeps the passageway moist and facilitates swallowing.
