Esophageal Physiology Flashcards
Through what does the esophagus pass to reach the stomach?
The right crus of the stomach.
What is the physiological function of the esophagus?
(1) Propel swallowed food into the stomach.
(2) Prevent gastroesophageal reflux.
(3) Vomiting and belching.
What muscles comprise the upper esophageal sphincter?
(1) inferior pharyngeal constrictor.
(2) cricopharyngeus.
(3) cervical esophagus.
What is the primary activator of esophageal activity?
The act of swallowing.
What part of the brainstem receives sensory input from the esophagus?
The nucleus solitarius.
What part of the brainstem controls smooth muscle in the esophagus?
The dorsal motor nucleus.
What part of the brainstem controls skeletal muscle in the upper esophagus and diaphragm?
The nucleus ambiguus.
Describe the neural activity involved in peristalsis.
Swallowing activates noncholinergic inhibitory pathways throughout the esophagus (though these pathways predominate in the caudal end). Sequential activation of the cholinergic excitatory pathways (which predominate in the rostral end) then occurs. Graded delays in contraction result in peristalsis.
J: This refers to the perception that there is an obstruction to the normal passage of swallowed material.
What is dysphagia?
J: This refers to the sensation of pain when swallowing.
What is odynophagia?
J: This refers to feeling of a “lump in one’s throat,” though swallowing can be performed normally.
What is globus?
What is heartburn?
A sensation of burning rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck.
What tests are used to evaluate esophageal function?
(1) barium esophagram.
(2) endoscopy.
(3) manometry.
What is achalasia?
A decrease in myenteric neurons, particularly inhibitory NO-releasing neurons, in the distal esophagus, arising after an auto-immune, viral or neurodegenerative insult.
How does achalasia appear microscopically?
Either (1) inflammation of myenteric nerves and ganglion, or (2) fibrosis with minimal residual inflammation.
