The (also spelled '''oesophagus'''/'''œsophagus''',
Greek ), or '''gullet''' is an
Organ in
Vertebrate s which consists of a
Muscular tube through which food passes from the
Pharynx to the
Stomach . The esophagus is continuous with the
Laryngeal part of the
Pharynx at the level of the C6
Vertebra .
Food is passed through the esophagus by using the process of
Peristalsis . Specifically, it connects the
Pharynx , which is the body cavity that is common to the digestive factory and respiratory system with the stomach, where the second stage of digestion is initiated.
The esophagus is lined with
Mucous Membrane , and is more deeply lined with
Muscle that acts with peristaltic action to move swallowed food down to the stomach.
The layers of the esophagus are as follows:
The junction between the esophagus and the stomach (the or '''GE junction''') is not actually considered a valve, although it is sometimes called the cardiac sphincter,
Cardia or cardias, but is actually more of a stricture.
It derives from Greek; hiοiσω -oeso, future tense of the verb φερω-to bring and from the verb έφαγον,-phagus, past tense of τρώγω-to eat.
The word "esophagus" is the result of the "o" being dropped from the oe (or œ) in "oesophagus".
This vowel does not exist in English but in most other Indoeuropean languages as œ, ö, or ø.
In mostly the rest of the non-US world, and according standard international latin and greek medical nomemclature, the spelling oesophagus (similarly œsophagus, ösofagus, or øsofagus) is used.
Many people experience a burning sensation in their chest occasionally, caused by stomach acids
Refluxing into the esophagus, normally called heartburn. Extended exposure to heartburn may erode the lining of the esophagus, leading to a potentially cancerous condition called
Barrett's Esophagus .
Some people also experience a sensation known as
Globus Esophagus , where it feels as if a ball is lodged in the lower part of the esophagus.
The following are additional diseases and conditions that affect the esophagus:
