GI tract anatomy Flashcards
How long is the oesophagus?
18-25cm long.
Where does the oesophagus originate from?
The pharynx at the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage.
At what vertebral level does the oesophagus begin at?
C6
Where does the oesophagus end?
At the cardiac orifice of the stomach.
At what vertebral level does the oesophagus end at?
T11
At what vertebral level is the oesophageal hiatus?
T10
At what costal cartilage level is the oesophageal hiatus?
Level of the 7th costal cartilage
Where is the oesophagus situated in the thorax?
In the superior mediastinum between the trachea and T1-T4 vertebrae.
What are the 3 points of constriction in the oesophagus?
Where pharynx joins oesophagus (behind cricoid cartilage)
Where it is crossed anteriorly by the aortic arch and left main bronchus
As the oesophageal hiatus
How many sphincters does the oesophagus have?
2
What type fo muscle is the upper oesophageal sphincter made of?
Striated muscle
What structures form the upper oesophageal sphincter?
Cricopharyngeus muscle situated at the junction between the pharynx and oesophagus.
Why is the upper oesophageal sphincter normally constricted?
To prevent entrance of air into the stomach.
Where is the lower oesophageal sphincter?
Between oesophagus and stomach (GOJ).
At what vertebral level is the gastro-oesophageal junction (lower oesophageal sphincter)?
T11
What is the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter?
Prevent reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus.
Where does the thoracic oesophagus received arterial supply from?
Branches of thoracic aorta and inferior thyroid artery.
What is the venous drainage of the thoracic oesophagus?
Azygous veins
Inferior thyroid vein
What is the arterial supply to the abdominal oesophagus?
Left gastric branch of the coeliac trunk
Left phrenic artery
What is the venous drainage of the abdominal oesophagus?
Left gastric vein
Azygous vein
Both of above drain into portal venous system
What is the lymphatic drainage of the upper 1/3 of the oesophagus?
Deep cervical nodes
What is the lymphatic drainage of the middle 1/3 of the oesophagus?
Superior and posterior mediastinal nodes.
What is the lymphatic drainage of the lower 1/3 of the oesophagus?
Left gastric and coeliac nodes.
What is the innervation of the oesophagus?
Vagus nerve (+ cervical and thoracic sympathetic trunks)