What is the function of the esophgus?

The esophagus is a tube that connects your pharynx (tube that is posterior to the nasal cavity and mouth) down the stomach. Each time you swallow, the epiglottis covers your larynx (airway to your lung) to prevent food from going into the larynx and to ensure the food goes down your esophagus to the esophageal junction, where the food is deposited into your stomach for digestion. Peristalsis is the autonomic function in which the esophageal muscles push the food down the esophagus into the stomach.