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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