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Upper and lower human gastrointestinal tract. The esophagus (American English), oesophagus (British English), or œsophagus (archaic spelling) (see spelling difference) all / iː ˈ s ɒ f ə ɡ ə s, ɪ-/; [1] pl.: ((o)e)(œ)sophagi or ((o)e)(œ)sophaguses), colloquially known also as the food pipe, food tube, or gullet, is an organ in vertebrates through which food passes, aided by ...
The reflex is initiated by touch receptors in the pharynx as a bolus of food is pushed to the back of the mouth by the tongue, or by stimulation of the palate (palatal reflex). Swallowing is a complex mechanism using both skeletal muscle and smooth muscles of the pharynx and esophagus.
In humans the glands are known as the esophageal submucosal glands and are a part of the human digestive system. [1] They are a small compound racemose exocrine glands of the mucous type. [citation needed] There are two types: Esophageal submucosal glands are compound tubulo-alveolar glands. Some serous cells are present.
In the upper esophagus, part of the externa is skeletal muscle, rather than smooth muscle. In the vas deferens of the spermatic cord, there are three layers: inner longitudinal, middle circular, and outer longitudinal. In the ureter, the smooth muscle orientation is opposite that of the GI tract. There is an inner longitudinal and an outer ...
Skeletal system: structural support and protection, production of blood cells: bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons: Muscular system: movement of body, production of heat: skeletal muscles, smooth muscles and cardiac muscle: Endocrine system: communication within the body using hormones made by endocrine glands
After food is chewed into a bolus, it is swallowed and moved through the esophagus. Smooth muscles contract behind the bolus to prevent it from being squeezed back into the mouth. Then rhythmic, unidirectional waves of contractions work to rapidly force the food into the stomach. The migrating motor complex (MMC) helps trigger peristaltic waves ...
Only skeletal and smooth muscles are part of the musculoskeletal system and only the muscles can move the body. Cardiac muscles are found in the heart and are used only to circulate blood; like the smooth muscles, these muscles are not under conscious control. Skeletal muscles are attached to bones and arranged in opposing groups around joints. [8]
The pharyngeal muscles are a group of muscles that form the pharynx, which is posterior to the oral cavity, determining the shape of its lumen, and affecting its sound properties as the primary resonating cavity. The pharyngeal muscles (involuntary skeletal) push food into the esophagus.