How does the esophagus work?

How does the esophagus work?

The muscles that make up the esophagus work together in intricate ways. Sphincters (muscular valves) at both ends of the esophagus open and close to let food and drinks pass from your mouth to your stomach. These valves also stop food or liquid from coming back up your esophagus (such as from the stomach) for no reason.

After you swallow, esophagus muscles contract (flex and relax). When the esophagus works as it should, this wave of coordinated contractions moves food or liquid down to your stomach. This series of contractions is called peristalsis.

If you have esophageal spasms, these contractions don’t work correctly. Unusually powerful or ineffective muscle contractions in the esophagus can make it difficult for food or liquid to move through your esophagus.