What is the food pipe called?

The food pipe is called the esophagus. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a muscular tube about 25 cm long.

What it is

  • A muscular tube about 25 cm long.
  • Carries food from the throat down to the stomach.
  • Its walls squeeze food along by peristalsis.

Where it is

  • Runs down the middle of the chest, behind the trachea.
  • Passes through the diaphragm.
  • Joins the stomach at the cardiac opening.

Source:

Last verified: 2026-07-18

  • Best Anatomy Answers is an educational reference about human anatomy. It is not medical advice — for any health concern, talk to a licensed medical professional.

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