The esophagus is the tube that carries food to the stomach.
People usually feel heartburn as a burning sensation or pain behind the breastbone.
Often, regurgitation of bitter-tasting stomach acid accompanies heartburn. An antacid or milk temporarily relieves heartburn for most people. To understand heartburn, let's look at the body's anatomy. The esophagus carries food and liquid to the stomach. This muscle contracts much the same as the anus does to close the opening of the rectum to the outside of the body.