Digestive system
Oesophagus (Gullet)
The oesophagus is the muscular tube that carries food and drink from the throat to the stomach. Muscle waves push each mouthful down, even against gravity.
What it is
The oesophagus is a muscular tube about 25 cm long connecting the throat to the stomach.
Where it is
In the chest, running behind the windpipe and heart, from the throat to the stomach.
What it does
Transports swallowed food and drink from the mouth to the stomach.
How it works
When you swallow, coordinated waves of muscle contraction (peristalsis) squeeze food down the tube. A ring of muscle at the bottom relaxes to let food into the stomach, then closes to stop acid coming back up.
When things go wrong
Common conditions affecting the oesophagus (gullet)
- Acid reflux and heartburn (GORD)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Barrett's oesophagus
- Oesophageal cancer
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms and is not a diagnosis. Sudden severe symptoms — such as severe chest pain, breathlessness or collapse — are an emergency; call 999.
Looking after it
Keeping your oesophagus (gullet) healthy
Not smoking, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting persistent swallowing difficulty checked promptly all protect the oesophagus.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
The oesophagus moves food by muscle waves, so you could swallow even while upside down.
Answers
Oesophagus (Gullet): frequently asked questions
What does the oesophagus do?
The oesophagus is the food pipe that carries food and drink from the throat to the stomach using waves of muscle contraction.
When should difficulty swallowing be checked?
New or persistent difficulty or pain when swallowing should always be assessed promptly, as it can be a warning sign of a serious problem.
The digestive system
Related organs
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
- TeachMeAnatomy / TeachMePhysiology
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