Page 213 - BIOCHEMISTRY II

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

returning back into the esophagus.