Page 300 - Biochemistry PharmD General

Esophagus

❑ Connects the pharynx to the stomach.
❑ Responsible solely for motility.
❑ Peristalsis: Rhythmic, wave-like contractions that moves food

through the digestive tract. Moves the bolus at a rate of 2-4cm
per second.
❑ Food is emptied into the stomach through the gastroesophageal
sphincter.
❑ Constriction of this sphincter prevents stomach contents from

regurgitating into the esophagus.

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