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The esophageal passage of food primarily relates to the esophageal phase, which is a critical part of the swallowing process. In this phase, food that has been prepared and propelled from the mouth moves down the esophagus toward the stomach. The esophagus uses a series of muscle contractions known as peristalsis to effectively transport the bolus of food. This phase is characterized by the involuntary nature of the movement; once the bolus enters the esophagus, it is no longer under voluntary control.

Prior phases, such as the oral preparatory phase and the oral phase, involve the initial manipulation and swallowing of the food in the mouth, while the pharyngeal phase encompasses the transport of food through the throat area. Each of these preceding phases sets the stage for the eventual movement through the esophagus, but they do not encompass the actual passage of food within the esophagus itself, which is the focus of the correct answer. This distinction underscores the importance of understanding the entire swallowing process and specifically the role each phase plays in the overall mechanism of digestion.