Esophagus The esophagus is in the digestive system .The esophagus is a muscular tube which carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach for digestion after it has been chewed and softened in the mouth. It is about 25 cm long and 2.5 cm across. Food is forced downward to the stomach by powerful wave like muscle contractions passing through the walls of the esophagus. Because these contractions are so strong in the throat and …showed first 75 words of 378 total…

…showed last 75 words of 378 total…it. When people burp to release swallowed air or gas from pop, the sphincters relax and small amounts of food or drink may come back up for a short time; this condition is called reflux. These rings close or contract after the food passes through and enters the stomach. If the bottom muscle weakens, stomach contents, along with the stomach acid, may return to the esophagus and cause an uncomfortable, burning sensation known as "heartburn".