ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Esophagus: The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx (throat) to the stomach. The esophagus contracts as it moves food into the stomach. A “valve” called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is located just before the opening to the stomach.

Detailed explanation-2: -The esophagus is a muscular channel that carries food from the pharynx to the stomach. It starts with the upper esophageal sphincter, formed in part by the cricopharyngeus muscle, and ends with the lower esophageal sphincter, surrounded by the crural diaphragm.

Detailed explanation-3: -How the Esophagus Works. As a person swallows, food moves from the mouth to the throat, also called the pharynx (1). The upper esophageal sphincter opens (2) so that food can enter the esophagus, where waves of muscular contractions, called peristalsis, propel the food downward (3).

Detailed explanation-4: -Laryngopharynx (or hypopharynx): The bottom part of the throat is near the larynx (or voice box). It regulates the passage of air to the lungs and food and fluid to the esophagus.