H&N Esophagus anatomy

Question 1

What anatomical structures form the superior and

inferior limits of the cervical esophagus?

Answer 1

● Superior: Cricopharyngeus muscle

● Inferior: Thoracic inlet (sternal notch)

Question 2

What are the layers of the cervical esophagus?

Answer 2

● Squamous epithelium
● Submucosa
● Inner circular muscle layer
● Outer longitudinal muscle layer
● Adventitia
Note: There is no distinct serosal layer.

Question 3

Which section of the esophagus contains striated

muscle? Smooth muscle?

Answer 3

● Upper one-third: Striated
● Middle one-third: Mixed
● Distal one-third: Smooth

Question 4

What structure(s) make up the upper esophageal
sphincter?

Answer 4

● Posterior surface of thyroid and cricoid cartilage
● Hyoid bone
● Cricopharyngeus muscle
● Inferior constrictor muscle (thyropharyngeus muscle)
● Cervical esophageal muscles
Extends 3 to 4 cm in total.

Question 5

True or False. The upper esophageal sphincter is

tonically contracting.

Answer 5

True. Tonically contracting resulting from discharges from

the vagus nerve (X)

Question 6

What potential space lies posterior to the cervical
esophagus and communicates superiorly with the
retropharyngeal space and inferiorly with the
posterior mediastinum?

Answer 6

Retroesophageal space

Question 7

Describe the arterial supply to the esophagus.

Answer 7

● Segmental blood supply:
● Upper esophageal sphincter and cervical esophagus:
Inferior thyroid artery
● Thoracic esophagus: Aortic esophageal arteries, terminal
bronchial arteries
● Distal esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter: left
gastric artery, branch of the left phrenic artery

Question 8

Describe the venous drainage of the cervical

esophagus.

Answer 8

Segmental drainage: submucosal plexus → superior vena

cava

Question 9

Describe the innervation of the esophagus.

Answer 9

● Sensory: Vagus (X), glossopharyngeal (IX), and spinal afferent nerves
● Motor: Vagus (X) nerve, parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves
● Intrinsic innervation:
○ Auerbach plexus: Between the inner circular and outer
longitudinal muscle layers
○ Meissner plexus: Submucosa

Question 10

What lymph node basins drain the cervical

esophagus?

Answer 10

Primarily levels II–IV. Also drains to level VI, retroesopha-
geal, retropharyngeal, and superior mediastinal nodes (level VII).