oesophagi

A doctor points to the oesophagi on a medical diagram.

Definition

Noun (plural form of oesophagus): - Anatomical term: "oesophagi" refers to the muscular tubes connecting the pharynx (throat) to the stomach in humans and other vertebrates. It is the standard plural of oesophagus.

Usage Examples

• (The surgeon looked at the muscular tubes in the throats of both patients.)
• (The muscular tubes connecting the throat to the stomach vary between animal groups.)

Advanced Usage

• "Smooth muscle of the oesophagi": refers to the involuntary muscle tissue lining these tubes.
  • The smooth muscle of the oesophagi contracts to move food downward. (The involuntary muscles in these tubes tighten to push food toward the stomach.)

Variants and Related Words

• Oesophageal (adj): relating to the oesophagus.

  • Oesophageal cancer is a serious disease affecting the tube between the throat and the stomach. (Cancer of the oesophagus.)

• Oesophagus (singular noun): the tube itself.

  • The oesophagus is about 25 centimeters long in adults. (The singular form of the tube.)

Synonyms

• Gullet: an informal term for the oesophagus.
  • The food passed through the gullet quickly. (The oesophagus.)

Related Idioms