Which term refers to the tube that connects the stomach to the small intestine?

The tube that connects the stomach to the small intestine is known as the duodenum. The duodenum is the first section of the small intestine and plays a crucial role in the digestive process. It receives partially digested food from the stomach, along with bile from the liver and pancreatic juices, which help in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This unique role highlights its importance in transitioning food from the stomach to the small intestine, where further digestion and nutrient absorption occur.

Other terms in the choices refer to different anatomical structures: the esophagus is involved in transporting food from the mouth to the stomach, the pylorus is the opening between the stomach and the duodenum that regulates the flow of digested food, and the aorta is a major artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. Each of these structures has its own distinct function that does not relate directly to connecting the stomach to the small intestine.