Söögitorul

Söögitorul, also known as the esophagus, is a muscular tube connecting the pharynx (throat) with the stomach. It is part of the digestive system and is responsible for transporting food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. The söögitorul is approximately 25 centimeters long in adults and is lined with mucus-producing cells that help to lubricate the passage of food.

The walls of the söögitorul are composed of several layers, including muscle tissue. These muscles contract and relax in a coordinated wave-like motion called peristalsis, which propels food downwards. At the top of the söögitorul, a muscular ring called the upper esophageal sphincter controls the entry of food from the pharynx. At the bottom, the lower esophageal sphincter, also known as the cardiac sphincter, prevents stomach contents from flowing back up into the söögitorul.

When a person swallows, the epiglottis, a flap of cartilage, covers the opening of the larynx (windpipe) to prevent food from entering the respiratory system. The food then enters the söögitorul and travels down to the stomach, where digestion continues. Problems with the söögitorul can include difficulty swallowing, pain, and acid reflux.