5.2. Overview of the Oesophagus Flashcards
What is the function of the Oesophagus?
It is a conduit between the Oral Cavity and the Stomach
How long is the Oesophagus?
About 25cm
What regulates the movement into / out of the Oesophagus?
- The Upper Oesophageal Sphincter
2. The Lower Oesophageal Sphincter
Where is the Upper Oesophageal Sphincter located?
Where the Pharnyx meets the Oesophagus
Where is the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter located?
At the Diaphragm
What Epithelium lines the Oesophagus?
Non-Keritonised Stratified Squamous Epithelium
What is contained within the Sub-Mucosa of the Oesophagus?
Mucinous Glands
What is the function of the Mucinous Glands present in the Oesophaeal Sub-Mucosa?
To provide Mucous as a lubrication for the Bolus as it travels down the Oesophagus
How is the Mucous Excreted into the Oesophagus?
Via Ducts located in the Mucosal Layer
What are the 3 parts the Oesophageal Muscularis Externa is split into?
- The Superior 1/3 of the Oesophagus
- The Middle 1/3 of the Oesophagus
3, The Inferior 1/3 of the Oesophagus
What is the control of the The Superior 1/3 of the Oesophagus?
This is almost all Skeletal Muscle, so is controlled consciously (non-autonomic)
What is the control of the The Middle 1/3 of the Oesophagus?
This is a mix of Skeletal Muscle and Smooth Muscle, so the movement is Partially Controlled (partially-autonomic)
What is the control of the The Inferior 1/3 of the Oesophagus?
This is almost all Smooth Muscle so the movement is not controlled consciously (autonomic)
What are the 5 phases of the Bolus as it is preparing to, and then travels down the Oesophagus?
- The Oral Phase
- The Phyaryngeal Phase
- The Pre-Oesophageal Phase
- The Oesophageal Phase
- The Pre-Gastric Phase
What is the Oral Phase?
The Phase where the Bolus is pushed to the Posterior Aspect of the Oral Cavity
