Question

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? Cells can anabolize the food prior to entering the esophagus. Cells are constantly dividing and replacing old or damaged cells. Cells promote a fluid to build up along the esophagus to reduce friction. Cells build a type of protein called enzymes that act as an armor.

Answer 1

Cells are constantly dividing and replacing old or damaged cells.

Answer 2

The esophagus does not deteriorate throughout a persons life due to cellular reproduction. When the cells are scraped off by the food, mitosis, or cellular division occurs resulting in two daughter cells from one which will eventually replace the missing cells.