Final answer:
The esophagus passes through the esophageal hiatus in the diaphragm prior to entering the stomach.
Step-by-step explanation:
The esophagus passes through the esophageal hiatus in the diaphragm prior to entering the stomach. The esophageal hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus travels to connect the pharynx to the stomach. This opening allows the esophagus to pass from the thoracic cavity to the abdominal cavity.