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Esophagus
The oesophagus (also spelled esophagus/œsophagus, Greek οἰσοφάγος), or gullet is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. In humans, the oesophagus is continuous with the laryngeal part of the pharynx at the level of the C6 vertebra. Additional recommended knowledge
FunctioningFood is passed through the oesophagus by using the process of peristalsis. Specifically, it connects the pharynx, which is the body cavity that is common to the digestive factory and respiratory system with the stomach, where the second stage of digestion is initiated. The oesophagus is lined with mucous membrane, and is more deeply lined with muscle that acts with peristaltic action to move swallowed food down to the stomach.
HistologyThe layers of the esophagus are as follows:[2]
submucosa: Contains the mucous secreting glands (esophageal glands), and connective structures termed papillae.
Gastroesophageal junctionThe junction between the esophagus and the stomach (the gastroesophageal junction or GE junction) is not actually considered a valve, although it is sometimes called the cardiac sphincter, cardia or cardias, but is actually more of a stricture. EtymologyIt derives from Greek; hiοiσω -oeso, future tense of the verb φερω-to bring and from the verb έφαγον,-phagus, past tense of τρώγω-to eat. The word "esophagus" is the result of the "o" being dropped from the oe (or œ) in "oesophagus". This vowel does not exist in English but in most other Indoeuropean languages as œ, ö, or ø. In mostly the rest of the non-US world, and according standard international latin and greek medical nomemclature, the spelling oesophagus (similarly œsophagus, ösofagus, or øsofagus) is used. Esophageal diseases and conditionsMany people experience a burning sensation in their chest occasionally, caused by stomach acids refluxing into the esophagus, normally called heartburn. Extended exposure to heartburn may erode the lining of the esophagus, leading potentially to Barrett's esophagus which is associated an increased risk of adenocarcinoma most commonly found in the distal one-third of the oesophagus. Some people also experience a sensation known as globus esophagus, where it feels as if a ball is lodged in the lower part of the esophagus. The following are additional diseases and conditions that affect the oesophagus:
Additional imagesReferences
Categories: Digestive system | Thorax |
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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Esophagus". A list of authors is available in Wikipedia. |