3.1.1 The Oesophagus Flashcards
What is the Oesophagus?
A Muscular tube which extends from the Pharynx to the Stomach
How long is the Thoracic part of the Oesophagus?
About 25cm
How long is the Abdominal part of the Oesophagus?
About 1.25cm
What are the 3 constrictions of the Oesophagus?
- Cervical
- Thoracic
- Diaphragmatic
What is the Vertebral level of the Oesophageal Hiatus?
T10
Where does the Oesophagus sit, in relation to the Larynx / Trachea?
Deep
What structures transverse the Oesophageal opening?
- The Oesophagus
- The Vagus Nerve
- The Left - Inferior Phrenic Nerve
- The Oesophageal Branches of the Left Gastric Vessel
What is the Blood Supply to the Oesophagus?
Branches of the Left Gastric Artery (Which itself is a branch of the Coeliac Trunk)
What is the Venous Drainage of the Oesophagus?
- The Proximal part of the Oesophagus drains into the Systemic Circulation via the Oesophageal Veins (leading to the Azygous Vein)
- The Distal part of the Oesophagus drains into the Left Gastric Vein, and then into the Portal Venous System
What is the Lymphatic Drainage of the Oesophagus?
Left Gastric Lymph Nodes - which drain into the Coeliac Lymph Nodes
At the Lower end of the Oesophagus, there is an important site for Portocaval anastomosis. What can happen in portal hypertension?
The anastomoses can open and for venous dilatations, called Oesophageal Varicies. Their rupture causes severe and dangerous haematemesis
What are the Oesophageal Sphincters?
- The Upper Oesophageal Sphincter
2. The Lower Oesophageal Sphincter
Where is the Upper Oesophageal Sphincter?
At the barrier between the Oesophagus and the Pharynx
Where is the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter?
At the Diaphragm