Innervation of the Mammalian Esophagus - Winfried Neuhuber - Bog

The esophagus is a relatively simple though vital organ. Beyond its role of propelling food from the pharynx to the stomach by a propulsive contraction wave representing the esophageal phase of deglutition, it is more recognized as a sensory organ from which a variety of respiratory and cardiovascular reflexes can be triggered.