Esophagus: Anatomy & Physiology of the Digestive System

The esophagus secretes mucous and transports food to the stomach.

• Leads from the mouth to the stomach, lying behind the trachea.
• During swallowing, food is pushed into the esophagus by peristalsis (involuntary muscle contractions).
• It is a muscular, collapsible tube-like structure, approximately 23 – 25 cm long.