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.