3.1.1 The 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 Thoracic part of the Oesophagus?

Answer 2

About 25cm

Question 3

How long is the Abdominal part of the Oesophagus?

Answer 3

About 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

Where does the Oesophagus sit, in relation to the Larynx / Trachea?

Answer 6

Deep

Question 7

What structures transverse the Oesophageal opening?

Answer 7

1. The Oesophagus
2. The Vagus Nerve
3. The Left - Inferior Phrenic Nerve
4. The Oesophageal Branches of the Left Gastric Vessel

Question 8

What is the Blood Supply to the Oesophagus?

Answer 8

Branches of the Left Gastric Artery (Which itself is a branch of the Coeliac Trunk)

Question 9

What is the Venous Drainage of the Oesophagus?

Answer 9

1. The Proximal part of the Oesophagus drains into the Systemic Circulation via the Oesophageal Veins (leading to the Azygous Vein)
2. The Distal part of the Oesophagus drains into the Left Gastric Vein, and then into the Portal Venous System

Question 10

What is the Lymphatic Drainage of the Oesophagus?

Answer 10

Left Gastric Lymph Nodes - which drain into the Coeliac Lymph Nodes

Question 11

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

Answer 11

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

Question 12

What are the Oesophageal Sphincters?

Answer 12

1. The Upper Oesophageal Sphincter

2. The Lower Oesophageal Sphincter

Question 13

Where is the Upper Oesophageal Sphincter?

Answer 13

At the barrier between the Oesophagus and the Pharynx

Question 14

Where is the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter?

Answer 14

At the Diaphragm