Question

Which of the following statements about the esophagus are correct?

A. It is a thin and long tube.
B. It extends anteriorly, passing through the neck, thorax, and diaphragm.
C. Its upper end contains a significant amount of longitudinal muscles, remaining normally closed and only opening during swallowing.

Options:
1) Only statement A is correct.
2) Statements A and B are correct.
3) Statements B and C are correct.
4) All statements (A, B, and C) are correct.

Answer 1

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It extends through the neck, thorax, and diaphragm. Its upper end contains longitudinal muscles that open during swallowing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It is approximately 25.4 cm (10 in) in length, located posterior to the trachea, and remains in a collapsed form when not engaged in swallowing. The esophagus extends anteriorly, passing through the neck, thorax, and diaphragm to enter the abdomen through the esophageal hiatus. Its upper end contains a significant amount of longitudinal muscles, remaining normally closed and only opening during swallowing.