What is the oesophagus?
The oesophagus/esophagus (or gullet) is a long, muscular tube that connects the throat, specifically the pharynx, with the stomach. The oesophagus is located between the trachea (windpipe) and spine.
The oesophagus moves food down by a contraction and release pattern called peristalsis. This peristalsis action allows the swallowed food to be moved into the stomach for digestion. Since the oesophagus is lined with glands that produce mucous, the whole tube is always moistened and this assists with swallowing and peristalsis.
Important oesophagus facts
- In adults, the oesophagus is about 25cm (10 inches) long
- Heartburn (acid reflux) is caused by stomach acid refluxing or splashing up into the oesophagus
Why the oesophagus is important
There are several layers of tissue that make up the oesophagus – which makes up its strength and enables the effective peristalsis action that it performs on a daily basis.
