What is Oesophagus?
The oesophagus is the passage that connects the mouth to the stomach. No digestion takes place in this part.
What are the different roles of Oesophagus?
- Rolling of food – The muscles of the oesophagus contracts and this contraction moves the food down to the stomach. This movement of muscles is known as Peristalsis.
- Prevents the reflux – At the end of the oesophagus, a Lower Oesophageal Sphincter is present. This sphincter prevents the reflux of the stomach
What is Epiglottis?
Behind the tongue is a Leaf-shaped Flap called the epiglottis.
Epiglottis
What is the Role of epiglottis?
Epiglottis allows the air into the windpipe but closes when food is swallowed. This, in turn, prevents the blocking of the windpipe with food, thus protecting from suffocation.