Question

A
B
#
3x + 10°
+
O
2.x
C
D​

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Food pipe is a muscular tube which is 25 centimetres long, passing just behind the heart region connecting the mouth to the stomach. It is made up of connective tissues and is the uppermost part of the digestive system.

The veins and arteries that pass through the oesophagus or food pipe are called oesophageal veins and oesophageal arteries respectively. The upper part of the oesophagus is behind the windpipe. Oesophagus joins the stomach at a point called the gastro-oesophageal junction. When we swallow food, oesophagus contracts and squeezes the food which pushes the food down towards the stomach.

Layers Of Food Pipe

The food pipe or oesophagus is divided into the following layers:

Mucosa: The inner layer

Submucosa: The layer responsible for producing secretions

Muscularis: Food is pushed down through this layer made up of muscles

Adventitia: Oesophagus is attached to the other parts through this outer layer

Also Read: Alimentary Canal

Functions Of Food Pipe

The food pipe or oesophagus performs the following important functions:

The food we eat reaches the oesophagus after passing through the larynx.

After the buccal cavity, the oesophagus is the next point of contact for food into the gastrointestinal tract.

Responsible in preventing the entry of food into the windpipe by controlling the movement of the epiglottis.

Radially symmetric contractions of oesophagus help push food downwards.

Rhythmic contractions and relaxations of oesophageal muscles result in the swift movement of food towards the gastro-oesophageal junction.

Care needs to be taken about the health of oesophagus or food pipe as negligence can cause severe disorders in the food pipe. One such ailment of the food pipe is Oesophageal cancer.