key term - The Mouth, Pharynx, and Esophagus

Definition

The mouth, pharynx, and esophagus are integral components of the digestive system responsible for the ingestion, swallowing, and transport of food from the mouth to the stomach. The mouth initiates digestion through mechanical breakdown and saliva secretion, the pharynx serves as a pathway for both food (to the esophagus) and air (to the larynx), and the esophagus is a muscular tube that propels food to the stomach via peristalsis.

Related terms

Saliva: A liquid secreted by salivary glands in the mouth that contains enzymes which begin the chemical breakdown of food.

Peristalsis:

A series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through various channels within the digestive system.

Digestive System:

A complex series of organs and glands that processes food in order to absorb and assimilate nutrients