The esophagus, also known as the food pipe, transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions called peristalsis, ensuring the smooth passage of food into the stomach.
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The esophagus, also known as the food pipe, transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions called peristalsis, ensuring the smooth passage of food into the stomach.
The esophagus plays a vital role in digestion by facilitating the transport of ingested food from the mouth to the stomach. Through a process called peristalsis, rhythmic waves of coordinated muscular contractions propel the bolus (food mass) downward along the esophagus. This movement occurs seamlessly, pushing the bolus towards the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscular ring that relaxes to allow the entry of food into the stomach. While the esophagus primarily serves as a conduit for food, it lacks significant digestive enzyme secretion. Its muscular action ensures the efficient and unidirectional passage of food, marking the initial phase of the digestive process.