esophagus

esophagus The tube that connects the throat with the stomach. The esophagus lies between the trachea (windpipe) and the spine. In an adult, the esophagus is about 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. When a person swallows, the muscular walls of the esophagus contract to push food down into the stomach. Glands in the lining of the esophagus produce mucus, which keeps the passageway moist and facilitates swallowing. Also known as gullet.