Which structure connects the mouth to the esophagus?

The structure that connects the mouth to the esophagus is the pharynx. The pharynx is a muscular tube that serves as a pathway for both air and food. Located in the throat, it plays a critical role in the digestive and respiratory systems. When you swallow, the pharynx allows food to pass from the mouth into the esophagus, which then transports it to the stomach.

The other options pertain to different systems or functions. The mouth is the starting point of the digestive system but does not connect directly to the esophagus. The vas deferens and the scrotum are part of the male reproductive system and are not involved in the digestive process. Thus, the pharynx is specifically designed to facilitate the transition from oral ingestion to digestive processing.