esophagus

layers of esophagus

- Mucosa. composed of stratified squamous epithelium - Submucosa.contain esophageal glands that produce mucus - muscularis. Externa has both smooth and skeletal muscle - Adventitia.anchors esophagus in place. same as serosa

structures of the esophagus

- Upper and lower esophageal sphincter: valve at the upper/lower end of the esophagus (keeps it going in and not out) - Esophageal hiatus: opening in diaphragm there which esophagus passes -adventitia: Outer layer of esophagus

esophagus and swallowing

- Upper esophageal sphincter opens - Peristalsis: involuntary muscle contractions - Lower esophageal sphincter opens: allows for us to pass from esophagus to stomach

esophagus

-A muscular, collapsible tube. -LIES BEHIND TRACHEA -carries solids and liquids from pharynx to stomach -secretes mucus for lubrication and protection -begins at end of laryngopharynx, passes through the mediastinum anterior to the vertebral column, pierces the diaphragm, and ends in the superior portion of the stomach