Usage patterns
〈物〉が食道を通るfor something to pass through the esophagus
Swallowed food passes through the esophagus and reaches the stomach.
食道にがんができるfor cancer to develop in the esophagus
The test results showed that cancer had developed in his esophagus.
食道が痛むfor the esophagus to hurt
My esophagus hurt after drinking something hot.