Final answer:
The gullet, or esophagus, is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach without any digestive or absorptive functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gullet, also known as the esophagus, is the part of the digestive system where no digestive or absorptive function takes place. It serves as a conduit for food, transporting it from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus has a muscular wall that undergoes peristalsis, a rhythmic contraction and relaxation process that pushes the food towards the stomach.
During peristalsis, the walls of the esophagus contract behind the food bolus, pushing it forward. The muscles ahead of the bolus then relax, allowing the bolus to move through. This coordinated muscular activity ensures that the food moves in one direction, preventing backflow.
In summary, the gullet or esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach, but it does not carry out any digestive or absorptive functions.