-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. -The contractions are so strong in the throat and the esophagus, …showed first 75 words of 376 total…

…showed last 75 words of 376 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".