CSI 8 - Acid Reflux (PRE-READING) Flashcards
What is the oesophagus?
Long fibromuscular tube running from pharynx to stomach
How long is the oesophagus, approximately?
25 cm
Where does the oesophagus start?
Inferior border of cricoid cartilage (C6)
Where does the oesophagus extend to?
The cardiac orifice of the stomach
After beginning in the neck, the oesophagus is continuous superiorly with what?
The laryngeal part of the pharynx (laryngopharynx)
Where does the oesophagus descend downwards into when entering the thorax?
Into the superior mediastinum, positioned between the trachea and the vertebral bodies of T1 to T4
How does the oesophagus enter the abdomen?
Via the oesophageal hiatus at T10
What is the oesophageal hiatus?
Opening in the right crus of the diaphragm
How long approx. is the abdominal portion of the stomach at level of T11?
1.25 cm long
What are the 4 layers of the oesophagus?
Adventitia, muscular layer, submucosa, mucosa
What is adventitia?
outer layer of connective tissue
What are the outer very distal and intraperitoneal portion of the oesophagus covered with instead of adventitia?
Serosa
What is the muscle layer of the oesophagus composed of?
External longitudinal muscle layer and inner layer of circular muscle
What type of external muscle is in the superior third of the oesophagus?
Voluntary striated muscle
What type of external muscle is in the middle third of the oesophagus?
Voluntary striated and smooth muscle
What type of external muscle is in the inferior third of the oesophagus?
Smooth muscle
What is the mucosa layer of the oesophagus?
Non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium (contiguous with columnar epithelium of the stomach)
How is food transported through the oesophagus?
Peristalsis
What is peristalsis?
Rhythmic contractions of muscles propagating down oesophagus through GI tract
What can the hardening of the muscle layers of the oesophagus cause?
Can interfere with peristalsis and cause difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
What is dysphagia?
Difficulty in swallowing
What is the purpose of the 2 oesophageal sphincters?
To prevent entry of air and reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus