Gullet

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Gullet

Gullet (/ˈɡʌlɪt/), also known as the esophagus, is a part of the digestive system that transports food and liquids from the pharynx (throat) to the stomach.

Etymology

The term "gullet" originates from the Old French word "goulet" or "gullet", which means "throat" or "neck". It was first used in English in the 14th century.

Anatomy

The gullet is a muscular tube that extends from the pharynx to the stomach. It is approximately 25 centimeters long in adults and is located behind the trachea (windpipe) and heart, and in front of the spine. The gullet is lined with a mucous membrane and is surrounded by muscle that contracts in a wave-like manner, a process known as peristalsis, to push food and liquid to the stomach.

Related Terms

  • Peristalsis: The wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.
  • Pharynx: The part of the throat that connects the nasal and oral cavities to the esophagus.
  • Stomach: The organ that receives food from the esophagus and begins the process of digestion.
  • Trachea: The windpipe, a tube that connects the pharynx and larynx to the lungs, allowing the passage of air.

See Also

External links

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