Final answer:
The esophagus is the muscular tube responsible for passing food from the pharynx to the stomach in the digestive system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The digestive passageway that begins at the pharynx and termin ates in the stomach is the esophagus. The esophagus is a long, narrow, tube-like digestive organ through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. It is a muscular tube that is approximately 25 cm (10 in.) in length in adults, with an inner lining consisting of a mucous membrane to allow for a smooth passage of food.
During the process of swallowing, or 'deglutition,' the esophagus plays a crucial role by contracting its muscles in a wave-like motion known as peristalsis, which pushes the food from the pharynx down into the stomach. It should be noted that the esophagus includes sphincters at its upper and lower ends; the upper esophageal sphincter regulates food entering from the pharynx, while the lower esophageal sphincter controls the passage of food into the stomach.