Anatomy of Esophagus and Stomach Flashcards
Describe the length of the esophagus?
muscular tube 25 cm long and 2 cm in diameter
What is the extent of the esophagus?
pharynx to stomach
What are the 4 constrictions of the esophagus?
- Upper esophageal sphincter - cricopharyngeus muscle
- where it is crossed by the aorta
- where it is crossed by the left main bronchus
- Lower esophageal sphincter where it passes diaphragm
Describe the course of the esophagus?
- follows the curve of vertebral column
- Passes through esophageal hiatus - T10
- Turns forward & to the left to enter stomach at cardial orifice
What is the esophagus distally encircled by?
esophageal nerve plexus
Where is the esophagus in the abdomen?
retroperitoneal
What is peristalsis?
food movement
What is the phrenicoesophageal ligament?
the ligamet by which the esophagus is attached to the diaphragm
What are the esophageal histological layers?
- mucosa
- submucosa
- muscularis externa
- adventitia/serosa
What are the layers of the mucosa?
- surface epithelium
- lamina propria
- muscularis mucosa - thin smooth muscle
Describe the muscularis externa?
- inner circular
- outer longitudinal
- Sup 1/3 is skeletal muscle
- Mid 1/3 - mixed skeletal &
smooth
- Inf 1/3 - smooth muscle
Describe the esophageal adventitia and its function?
external fibrous layer that covers the esophagus and connects it to neighbouring structures - without or with mesothelium
The right border of the esophagus is continuous with?
lesser curvature of stomach
The left border of the esophagus is seperated from fundus by?
cardial notch
Describe the esophagogastric junction?
at the Z-line there is a change of esophageal (stratified sqaumous) to gastric (simple columnar) mucosa - the esophageal hiatus functions as the lower esophageal sphincter
What is the lower esophageal sphincter?
a ring of muscle that forms a valve at the lower end of the esophagus where it joins the stomach
Describe the function of the lower esophageal sphincter?
the LES stays closed except during swallowing when it allows food to pass from the esophagus into the stomach
Describe the arterial supply of the esophagus?
- Left gastric artery branch of celiac trunk
2. left inferior phrenic artery
Describe the venous drainage of the esophagus?
- portal venous system - left gastric vein
2. systemic venous system - esophageal + azygos veins