What is the role of the esophagus in the digestive system?

The esophagus plays a crucial role in the digestive system by serving as the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. When food is ingested, it travels down the esophagus through a process called peristalsis, which involves coordinated contractions of the esophageal muscles. This ensures that food is pushed down efficiently into the stomach, where the digestive process continues.

The other options describe functions associated with different organs: bile production is carried out by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, nutrient absorption occurs primarily in the small intestine, and the storage of digestive enzymes is typically associated with specific organs within the digestive tract, such as the pancreas. Thus, option B accurately reflects the primary function of the esophagus in facilitating the passage of food from the oral cavity to the stomach.