Library · Physiology
Esophageal function
Make it clearer
The function of the esophagus is to move food toward the stomach. Peristalsis does this as a wave: the wall relaxes ahead of the food bolus and squeezes behind it. This coordinated change pushes the contents along the tube.
At the lower end, the lower esophageal sphincter and diaphragm create a high-pressure zone. It opens to let the bolus pass and then acts as a barrier against stomach contents flowing back into the esophagus.
In brief
The esophagus moves the food bolus from the pharynx to the stomach. It does this through peristalsis: the muscular wall relaxes ahead of the bolus and contracts behind it, creating a coordinated wave that pushes it downward.
At the end of the journey, the lower esophageal sphincter and diaphragm form a high-pressure zone. This barrier opens to let the bolus enter the stomach and, when closed, limits the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus.
Sources (1)
- National Center for Biotechnology InformationPhysiology, Esophagus
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