How Long is the Esophagus?

The Digestive Tract showing the
esophagus and other digestive
structures.

The esophagus is about 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. It starts from the lower (inferior) portion of the pharynx (laryngopharynx) and ends at the upper (superior) portion of the stomach.

The esophagus acts as a passageway for food and water going to the stomach and does not have anything to do with digestion or breakdown of food.

Conditions affecting the esophagus

• Heartburn
• Barrett's Esophagus

Sources:
Tortora, G. and Grabowski, S.: PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 10th ed. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2003.
Image Credit: NIDDK Image Gallery