Opens into the esophagus and extends into the stomach. It is the mechanism of swallowing which is a coordinated activity of the tongue, soft palate, pharynx and esophagus. It works in stages: (1) food is pushed into the pharynx by the tongue (almost like a voluntary process), then (2) the tongue blocks the mouth, (3) the soft palate closes the nose, (4) the larynx (knob Adam's) rises so that the epiglottis (a flap of tissue) can close the opening of the trachea.• EsophagusA straight muscular tube about 10 inches (or 25 cm) long and connects the mouth with the stomach. Food takes 4 to 8 seconds to reach the stomach. Its walls contain smooth muscles that contract with a wave-like movement (in the so-called peristalsis). Peristalsis pushes food and liquids slowly down the esophagus into the stomach. The cardiac sphincter (a ring valve) relaxes to allow food to enter the stomach.•