The esophagus, a tube that carries food to the stomach, is constantly being scraped as food travels through it. Why does the esophagus not deteriorate through a person’s lifetime? 1. Cells can anabolize the food prior to entering the esophagus.
2. Cells are constantly dividing and replacing old or damaged cells.
3. Cells promote a fluid to build up along the esophagus to reduce friction.
4. Cells build a type of protein called enzymes that act as an armor.