1. Continuous with the laryngeal part of the pharynx at the level of the C6 vertebra
2. Passes through the posterior mediastinum in the thorax
3. Enters the abdomen through a hole in the diaphragm at the level of the tenth thoracic vertebra (T10)
4. Usually about 25cm, but extreme variations have been recorded ranging 10-50 cm long depending on individual height
5. Divided into cervical, thoracic, and abdominal sections