3.1.1 Oesophagus

Question 1

What is the oesophagus?

Answer 1

A muscular tube which extends from the pharynx to the stomach

Question 2

How long is the oesophagus?

Answer 2

~25cm

Question 3

How long is the abdominal part of the oesophagus?

Answer 3

~1.25cm

Question 4

What are the 3 constrictions of the oesophagus?

Answer 4

1. Cervical
2. Thoracic
3. Diaphragmatic

Question 5

What is the vertebral level of the oesophageal hiatus?

Answer 5

T10

Question 6

What structures traverse (go through) the oesophageal hiatus?

Answer 6

• oesophagus
• vagus nerve
• left inferior phrenic nerve
• oesophageal tributaries of left gastric vein

Question 7

What is the blood supply to the abdominal oesophagus?

Answer 7

Branches of left gastric artery

Question 8

What is the venous drainage to the abdominal oesophagus?

Answer 8

2 routes:

• distal part = portal circulation via left gastric vein
• proximal part = systemic circulation via azygos vein

Question 9

What is the lymphatic drainage to the abdominal oesophagus?

Answer 9

left gastric nodes, which drain into celiac nodes

Question 10

At the Lower end of the Oesophagus, there is an important site for Portocaval anastomosis. What can happen in portal hypertension?

Answer 10

The anastomoses can open and form venous dilatations, called Oesophageal Varicies. Their rupture causes severe and dangerous haematemesis

Question 11

What are the oesophageal sphincters?

Answer 11

• upper oesophageal sphincter

- lower oesophageal sphincter

Question 12

Where is the upper oesophageal sphincter?

Answer 12

At the barrier between the oesophagus and pharynx

Question 13

Where is the lower oesophageal sphincter?

Answer 13

The diaphragm