The gullet is a common term for the muscular tube that serves as a pathway for food and liquids, delivering them from the back of the throat to the stomach. This organ is an integral early component of the digestive system, ensuring that swallowed material is successfully transported for further processing. Its primary function is to move a swallowed mass of food, known as a bolus, from the pharynx to the stomach quickly and efficiently.
Anatomy and Location
The gullet, formally known as the esophagus, is a fibromuscular tube that measures approximately 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) long. Its internal diameter is typically narrow, ranging from about 1.5 to 2 centimeters. The tube begins in the neck, runs downward through the chest cavity, and passes through the diaphragm before connecting to the stomach.
The gullet is located immediately behind the trachea, or windpipe, and in front of the spine. This positioning allows the gullet to flatten when empty and expand when a bolus of food passes through. The wall is composed of several distinct layers, including the innermost lining (mucosa) and a thick layer of muscle that facilitates movement.
The Mechanism of Swallowing
The gullet transports the food bolus from the pharynx to the stomach through a highly coordinated sequence of events known as swallowing. While the initial act of swallowing is voluntary, the subsequent movement through the gullet is an automatic reflex. This reflex is carefully regulated to prevent food from accidentally entering the respiratory tract.
Food movement is achieved by peristalsis, which consists of coordinated waves of muscular contractions. These contractions sweep sequentially down the length of the gullet, pushing the food downward toward the stomach. The muscle composition changes along the gullet, starting with skeletal muscle in the upper third and transitioning to smooth muscle in the lower sections.
The gullet is guarded at both ends by ring-shaped muscles called sphincters. The upper esophageal sphincter relaxes to allow food to pass from the throat into the gullet, closing immediately afterward to prevent backflow. At the lower end, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes to let food enter the stomach, then closes tightly to prevent acidic contents from flowing back up.
Gullet Versus Esophagus
The terms “gullet” and “esophagus” refer to the exact same organ. “Gullet” is the common, colloquial, or historical name for the food pipe, with roots in Old French and Latin terms related to the throat.
“Esophagus” is the formal, standardized medical and anatomical term used by healthcare professionals. The term derives from ancient Greek words meaning “to carry” and “to eat.” It is important to distinguish the esophagus from the throat, or pharynx, which connects the nasal and oral cavities to both the esophagus and the windpipe.
Common Conditions Affecting the Gullet
One frequent health issue affecting the gullet is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly, allowing stomach acid and other contents to flow backward into the gullet. This backflow, or acid reflux, causes irritation and inflammation of the gullet’s lining, often leading to the symptom of heartburn.
Another common symptom of gullet dysfunction is dysphagia, the medical term for difficulty swallowing. This sensation can feel like food is getting stuck in the chest or throat, and it may be a symptom of GERD or other structural issues. Chronic acid exposure can cause scar tissue to form, leading to a narrowing of the gullet called an esophageal stricture, which complicates the passage of food. Other conditions, such as achalasia, where the lower sphincter fails to relax, or abnormal muscle spasms, can also lead to dysphagia.