Anatomy
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is the Role of the Esophagus in the Digestive System?

Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins

Along with the mouth and throat, the esophagus is the start of a long path of food in the body. Located in front of the spine but behind the windpipe and heart, this tube's primary job is to convey food, via tiny contractions called peristalsis, from a sphincter at the bottom of the throat through another sphincter at the stomach below. Another role of the esophagus in the digestive system is to lubricate food with mucus as it makes its way down to the gut.

Before getting to the esophagus in the digestive system, food is typically well-prepared for entry. Not only is it crushed and rounded at the sharp edges by as many as 32 teeth, but it is also kneaded through by the mouth's saliva. This liquid contains the enzymes, lubricants and acid reducers needed to start reducing the food to a long malleable loaf by the time it reaches the upper esophageal sphincter at the bottom of the throat, or pharynx.

The hollow tube known as the esophagus runs from the stomach to the throat.
The hollow tube known as the esophagus runs from the stomach to the throat.

When engaged during a swallow, this initial sphincter opens while the adjacent epiglottis shuts the trachea leading to the lungs. This is the first job of the esophagus in the digestive system — keeping people from breathing food or water. Once the food has made its way into the esophagus, the sphincter closes and the epiglottis releases its hold on the trachea.

The digestive system receives food lubricated by mucus in the esophagus.
The digestive system receives food lubricated by mucus in the esophagus.

As food moves down the approximately 8-inch (approximately 0.2-meter) esophagus, it is padded by four layers of contracting tissue lined with mucus. The innermost layer is called the tunica mucosa, followed by the tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis and, finally, the tunica serosa on the outside. These outer two layers of the esophagus contract until the food reaches the lower esophageal sphincter and can enter the stomach, just below the heart. The role of the inner two layers is to moisten the food and protect the outer two layers.

The esophagus is involved in preventing gastric reflux.
The esophagus is involved in preventing gastric reflux.

Food leaves the esophagus in the digestive system's journey to enter an acidic, denaturing bath of gastric juices in the stomach, followed by the large and small intestines, then the colon and rectum. Along the way, the tract's enzymes and bacterial colonies break the food down to cellular constituents, which can then be absorbed to provide the nutrients needed for survival. The esophagus, by contrast, has no absorbing qualities.

Patients suffering from a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter may require a feeding tube.
Patients suffering from a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter may require a feeding tube.

Various disorders of the esophagus can develop, particularly for smokers or heavy drinkers. Heartburn and indigestion are common problems. Some experience damage to the esophageal sphinters, resulting in acid reflux disease. Others may develop cancer of the esophagus.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The hollow tube known as the esophagus runs from the stomach to the throat.
      By: snapgalleria
      The hollow tube known as the esophagus runs from the stomach to the throat.
    • The digestive system receives food lubricated by mucus in the esophagus.
      By: ancroft
      The digestive system receives food lubricated by mucus in the esophagus.
    • The esophagus is involved in preventing gastric reflux.
      By: bilderzwerg
      The esophagus is involved in preventing gastric reflux.
    • Patients suffering from a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter may require a feeding tube.
      By: sudok1
      Patients suffering from a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter may require a feeding tube.
    • It's more common for smokers to develop disorders of the esophagus.
      By: soup studio
      It's more common for smokers to develop disorders of the esophagus.
    • The esophagus is located in front of the spine, but behind the windpipe and heart.
      By: dr_ox
      The esophagus is located in front of the spine, but behind the windpipe and heart.
    • Chronic heartburn can cause serious damage to the esophagus.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Chronic heartburn can cause serious damage to the esophagus.
    • Acid reflux irritates the lining of the esophagus.
      By: oneblink1
      Acid reflux irritates the lining of the esophagus.
    • An endoscopy may be performed to diagnose digestive system issues.
      By: Max Tactic
      An endoscopy may be performed to diagnose digestive system issues.