Learning anatomy/Esophagus

Learning anatomy - Stomach

Anatomy

The esophagus is a tube connecting the throat to the stomach. The parts of the esophagus are the upper esophagus, middle esophagus, and lower esophagus. The esophagus also passes through a hole in the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus.

Function

The function of the esophagus is to move the swallowed food from the throat into the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter or cardiac sphincter is between the lower esophagus and cardiac region of the stomach. Peristalsis happens throughout the gastrointestinal tract.