TeXes Science Practice Test

Which organ is responsible for carrying food from the mouth to the stomach?

1. Stomach

2. Intestine

3. Esophagus

4. Pancreas

The correct answer is: Esophagus

The esophagus is the organ responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach. After food is chewed and mixed with saliva in the mouth, it is swallowed and enters the esophagus, a muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. The esophagus employs a series of coordinated muscle contractions known as peristalsis to propel the food downward, ensuring it reaches the stomach efficiently for further digestion. The stomach, while critical in the digestive process, is not the organ responsible for the transportation of food from the mouth; rather, it is where the food is mixed with gastric juices for digestion. The intestines, which consist of both the small and large intestines, are primarily involved in nutrient absorption and waste elimination after the food has been processed in the stomach. The pancreas plays a vital role in digestion by producing digestive enzymes and hormones but does not have a direct function in the transportation of food. Thus, the esophagus is specifically designed for the task of carrying food to the stomach.