Oesophagus

• Oesophagus:

  • the food is now called a bolus
  • mucus lubricates its passage down the oesophagus as it is swallowed
  • the bolus moves to the stomach by a series of rhythmic contractions called peristalsis
• Peristalsis

  • Peristalsis propels food along the gut.
  • Behind the ball of food the circular muscles contract and longitudinal muscles relax, helping move the food along
• Oesophagus structure:

  A) adventitia

  B) longitudinal muscles

  C) circular muscles

  D) submucosa

  E) mucosa