<P> The esophagus ( American English ) or oesophagus ( British English ) ( / ɪˈsɒfəɡəs / ) , commonly known as the food pipe or gullet , is an organ in vertebrates through which food passes , aided by peristaltic contractions , from the pharynx to the stomach . The esophagus is a fibromuscular tube , about 25 centimetres long in adults , which travels behind the trachea and heart , passes through the diaphragm and empties into the uppermost region of the stomach . During swallowing , the epiglottis tilts backwards to prevent food from going down the larynx and lungs . The word esophagus is the Greek word οἰσοφάγος oisophagos , meaning `` gullet '' . </P>
<P> The esophagus ( American English ) or oesophagus ( British English ) ( / ɪˈsɒfəɡəs / ) , commonly known as the food pipe or gullet , is an organ in vertebrates through which food passes , aided by peristaltic contractions , from the pharynx to the stomach . The esophagus is a fibromuscular tube , about 25 centimetres long in adults , which travels behind the trachea and heart , passes through the diaphragm and empties into the uppermost region of the stomach . During swallowing , the epiglottis tilts backwards to prevent food from going down the larynx and lungs . The word esophagus is the Greek word οἰσοφάγος oisophagos , meaning `` gullet '' . </P>
where is the esophagus located in the body
where is the esophagus located in the body
travels behind the trachea and heart , passes through the diaphragm and empties into the uppermost region of the stomach
travels behind the trachea and heart , passes through the diaphragm and empties into the uppermost region of the stomach