Video: Anatomy of the Throat, Esophagus & Stomach

Anatomy of the Throat

The throat, or pharynx, is about five inches long. It acts as a passageway for both food and air.

Within the pharynx is the epiglottis, a movable flap of tissue. When you breathe, the epiglottis opens to allow passage of air into the windpipe. When you swallow, it flops over and closes the windpipe, thus helping direct food into the esophagus instead.

Anatomy and Function of the Esophagus

The esophagus is a passageway from the throat to the stomach. It measures about 10 inches long. Food is moved from the throat to the stomach by muscular contractions called peristalsis. These muscular contractions are so efficient that they even works even when a person eats while upside down.

The esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. It prevents food from moving backward into the esophagus. It opens up to allow food into the stomach, then it tightens up to stop food from moving back.

Anatomy and Function of the Stomach

The stomach is a C-shaped digestive organ located under the ribs on the left side. The walls of the stomach of full of rugae, or large folds. These rugae allow the stomach to expand or collapse. When fully expanded, the stomach can hold up to a gallon of food.

The stomach acts as a storage tank and site for food breakdown. The stomach has strong muscles that churn the food and mix it with gastric juices.