• The esophagus is a tube that carries food and liquids to the stomach to be digested.
• The esophagus is about 9-10 inches long and 1.2 inches wide.
• Muscular contractions force the food down the esophagus into the stomach. This process is called peristalsis.
• There is a ring of muscle located at both ends of the esophagus.
• The contractions in the esophagus are so strong, that we can swallow in any position, even upside down.
• If the bottom muscle of the esophagus weakens, contents in the stomach, may travel back up the esophagus. This is the cause of a burning feeling, known as heartburn.

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Last Updated On: July 24, 2000