Elements of the gastrointestinal
The esophagus, trachea, pharynx, and larynx lie in the neck and are related to the anterior triangles.
The esophagus is part of the gastrointestinal system and has only a short course in the lower neck. It begins at vertebral level CVI, where it is continuous with the pharynx above and courses inferiorly to pass through the thoracic inlet. It lies directly anterior to the vertebral column (Fig. 8.178B).