oesophagus
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The human digestive system. When food is swallowed, it is moved down the oesophagus by the action of muscles (peristalsis) into the stomach. Digestion starts in the mouth and continues in the stomach as the food is mixed with enzymes and strong acid. After several hours, the food passes to the small intestine. Here more enzymes are added and digestion is completed. After all nutrients have been absorbed, the indigestible parts pass into the large intestine and thence to the rectum. The liver has many functions, such as storing minerals and vitamins and making bile, which is stored in the gall bladder until needed for the digestion of fats. The pancreas supplies enzymes. The appendix appears to have no function in human beings.
Muscular tube through which food travels from the mouth to the stomach. The human oesophagus is about 23 cm/9 in long. It extends downwards from the pharynx, immediately behind the windpipe. It is lined with a mucous membrane made of epithelial cells (see epithelium), which secretes lubricant fluid to assist the downward movement of food. In its wall is muscle, which contracts to squeeze the food towards the stomach (peristalsis).
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