What is "esophagus"?

The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach in the human body. It serves as a passage for food and liquids to travel from the mouth to the stomach during the process of swallowing. The walls of the esophagus contract in coordinated movements, known as peristalsis, to push the food downward. The esophagus also contains a sphincter at its lower end, called the lower esophageal sphincter, which helps prevent stomach acid and contents from flowing back into the esophagus. Its role in facilitating the safe and efficient transport of food makes the esophagus an essential component of the digestive system.