esophagus (e-sof'ag-us)

The gullet; the tube extending between the lower pharynx and the cardiac end of the stomach, lying on the anterior surface of the spinal column. It begins about opposite the sixth cervical vertebra, and curves anteroposteriorly to accommodate itself to the cervical and thoracic curvatures of the spinal column. Near the lower part of the neck it is inclined toward the left, and, after returning to the middle line again, pa es in the lower part of the thorax to the left. In the lower third of the thorax it is in front of the aorta, and pierces the diaphragm to blend with the ti ues of the stomach. In the neck and upper part of the thorax it lies close behind the trachea, and, except near the diaphragm, is on the right side of the aorta. It consists of circular and longitudinal muscular fibers enveloping a coat of mucous membrane. [Gr., oisophagos, from oisein, to carry, + phage in, to eat.]