2. STATION 10: Pharynx & esophagus
Pharynx (throat)
• Connects the mouth to the
esophagus
• Common passageway for food,
liquids, and air
• Creates a bolus, which triggers an
involuntary swallowing reflex
The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that prevents
food from entering the trachea (windpipe).
3. STATION 10: Pharynx & esophagus
Esophagus
• A tube of smooth muscle, behind the
trachea, that connects the pharynx to the
stomach
• Approximately 10 inches long; flat when
empty
After swallowing (deglutition), the esophagus
is able to push the lump of food (bolus) along
because of peristaltic muscle contractions.
