What is the tube that carries food into the stomach called?

The tube that carries food into the stomach is called the esophagus. It connects the throat, or pharynx, to the stomach and is part of the digestive tract.

In an adult human, the esophagus is about 25 centimeters long. Food does not simply fall through it; rhythmic muscular contractions called peristalsis push a swallowed food bolus downward. Muscular rings at both ends help control passage, including the lower esophageal sphincter, which helps prevent stomach contents from flowing backward.

The epiglottis helps protect the airway during swallowing by covering the entrance to the larynx. This is why food normally travels through the esophagus rather than the nearby trachea, which carries air to the lungs.

“Esophagus” is the usual American spelling; “oesophagus” is common in British English. The word comes from Ancient Greek roots associated with carrying and eating. Heartburn and acid reflux often occur when stomach acid moves back through the lower esophageal sphincter.