1F-Esophagus & DEglutition Flashcards
Between swallows the esophagus is ________ but the lumen can distend to approximately ____ in the anterior- posterior dimension and up to ___ laterally to accommodate a swallowed bolus.
collapsed…2 cm…3 cm
Where in relation to the cervical vertebrae is the pharynxgoesophageal junction?
C5-C6
What important digestive structure is at approximately the T10 vertebral level?
The Diaphragmatic Hiatus
Which vertebral level is the cardia of the stomach located?
T11
What type of epithelium is in the esophagus?
Non-Keratinized Stratified Squamous Epithelium
A breach in the esophageal epithelium creates an ____.
ulcer
_________ provide mucus for lubricating the passage of food down the esophagus, augmenting the role of salivary glands.
Esophageal glands
Which layer of the esophagus houses the esophageal glands?
The submucosa
What is unique about the layers of the esophagus?
NO true Serosal outer layer, just a thin and poorly defined layer of Connective Tissue
Which layer does most of the venous drainage occur in the esophagus?
the Submucosal layer
Collaterals of the _______ vein, a branch of the _____ vein, receive venous drainage from the mid and lower esophagus, plus from the submucosal venous plexus.
left gastric….portal
The submucosal venous spaces, along with all of the other “draining” veins of the mid to lower esophagus may enlarge into _________.
ESOPHAGEAL VARICES
What is the main reason for esophageal varices?
PORTAL hypertension caused by CIRRHOSIS
What is another name for the esophageal varicose manifestations?
Red Wale Spots
What are the three phases of swallowing(deglutition)?
1.Oral/voluntary phase 2.Pharyngeal Phase 3.Esophageal Phase
What happens in the pharyngeal phase?
the UpperEsophagealSphinter (UES) relaxes and opens
Swallowing is difficult if not impossible when the ________.
mouth is open (dental office!)
What marks the esophageal phase?
When esophageal peristalsis takes over
Does there have to be food for esophageal peristalsis to occur?
Nope, but food intensifies it!
What is the condition where the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphinter) FAILS to relax? What is the main danger?
“AK-AH-LAY-SHA” —–Achalasia…Main danger is aspiration into the lungs when the person lies down
What is the result of decreased closing strength of the LES and therefore permitting acidic gastric contents into the esophagus?
GERD-GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease
What two things does GERD cause?
Heartburn and Esophagitis
What type of cancer is related to GERD?
Esophageal AdenoCarCinoma
What do all of these have in common? Fatty foods, chocolate, ethanol, caffeine, peppermint, “spicy” foods, citrus fruits and juices, smoking, and steroidal based oral contraceptives.
They can diminish the LES closing strength and cause GERD
What is the result of persistent/chronic reflux leading to edema and erosion to the luminal surface?
Barrett’s Esophagus
________ in Barrett’s Esophagus are caused by a combination of scar tissue, spasm and edema. What is the result?
Strictures…result is Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
What is PAINFUL swallowing?
ODYN-O-PHAGIA
What is the physical sign of Barrett’s Esophagus?
RED epithelium
What is the hallmark of Barrett’s Esophagus on a cellular level?
Metaplasia of Squamous Epithelium to Columnar Epithelium
