The Esophagus (Human Anatomy): Image, Operate, Situations, and More

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The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) with the abdomen. The esophagus is about 8 inches lengthy, and is lined by moist pink tissue referred to as mucosa. The esophagus runs behind the windpipe (trachea) and coronary heart, and in entrance of the backbone. Simply earlier than getting into the abdomen, the esophagus passes via the diaphragm.

The higher esophageal sphincter (UES) is a bundle of muscle tissues on the high of the esophagus. The muscle tissues of the UES are underneath acutely aware management, used when respiration, consuming, belching, and vomiting. They hold meals and secretions from happening the windpipe.

The decrease esophageal sphincter (LES) is a bundle of muscle tissues on the low finish of the esophagus, the place it meets the abdomen. When the LES is closed, it prevents acid and abdomen contents from touring backwards from the abdomen. The LES muscle tissues should not underneath voluntary management.

Esophagus Situations

Heartburn: An incompletely closed LES permits acidic abdomen contents to again up (reflux) into the esophagus. Reflux could cause heartburn, cough or hoarseness, or no signs in any respect.
Gastroesophageal reflux illness (GERD): When reflux happens steadily or is bothersome, it is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux illness (GERD).
Esophagitis: Irritation of the esophagus. Esophagitis could be because of irritation (as from reflux or radiation therapy) or an infection.
Barrett’s esophagus: Common reflux of abdomen acid irritates the esophagus, which can trigger the decrease half to vary its construction. Very sometimes, Barrett’s esophagus progresses to esophageal most cancers.
Esophageal ulcer: An erosion in an space of the liner of the esophagus. That is typically brought on by power reflux.
Esophageal stricture: A narrowing of the esophagus. Power irritation from reflux is the standard reason behind esophageal strictures.
Achalasia: A uncommon illness during which the decrease esophageal sphincter doesn’t calm down correctly. Problem swallowing and regurgitation of meals are signs.
Esophageal most cancers: Though severe, most cancers of the esophagus is rare. Danger elements for esophageal most cancers embody smoking, heavy consuming, and power reflux.
Mallory-Weiss tear: Vomiting or retching creates a tear within the lining of the esophagus. The esophagus bleeds into the abdomen, typically adopted by vomiting blood.
Esophageal varices: In individuals with cirrhosis, veins within the esophagus might grow to be engorged and bulge. Known as varices, these veins are weak to life-threatening bleeding.
Esophageal ring (Schatzki’s ring): A typical, benign accumulation of tissue in a hoop across the low finish of the esophagus. Schatzki’s rings often trigger no signs, however might trigger issue swallowing.
Esophageal net: An accumulation of tissue (just like an esophageal ring) that often happens within the higher esophagus. Like rings, esophageal webs often trigger no signs.
Plummer-Vinson syndrome: A situation together with power iron-deficiency anemia, esophageal webs, and issue swallowing. Iron substitute and dilation of esophageal webs are remedies.
Esophageal stricture: A narrowing of the esophagus, from a wide range of causes, which, if slender sufficient, might result in troublesome swallowing.