Esophagus

The esophagus (the gullet) is part of the gastrointestinal track. It is a tubelike structure that forms a canal between the mouth and the stomach. Its upper end connects with the pharynx. It descends behind the trachea and passes through the thoracic diaphragm (the mediastinum) and then through an opening called the esophageal hiatus into the stomach. It is formed primarily of muscle. Its function is to transport food to the stomach. It plays no role in the breakdown or absorption of food