How does the esophagus function in a ruminant's stomach?

In ruminants, the esophagus plays a crucial role in the digestive process by facilitating the movement of food between the mouth and the stomach compartments. After initial chewing, food is swallowed and enters the rumen, where it undergoes fermentation. Ruminants can then regurgitate this partially digested food, known as cud, back into the mouth for further chewing before swallowing it again, allowing for more efficient breakdown and nutrient absorption in the stomach's specialized compartments. This unique process enables ruminants to extract maximum nutrients from fibrous plant material.