Module 7.5 Esophagus

Question 1

Like the pharynx, the ______\_ is a passageway for the bolus and is involved in ______

Answer 1

Like the pharynx, the esophagus is a passageway for the bolus and is involved in motility

Question 2

The esophagus extends from the ____\_to the _______\_

Answer 2

The esophagus extends from the pharynx to the stomach

Question 3

• The entrance to the esophagus is sealed by the ________________sphincter (between pharynx and esophagus)
• the exit from the esophagus is sealed by the _____________\_ sphincter (between esophagus and stomach)

Answer 3

• The entrance to the esophagus is sealed by the upper esophageal (pharyngoesophageal) sphincter (between pharynx and esophagus)
• the exit from the esophagus is sealed by the lower esophageal (gastroesophageal) sphincter (between esophagus and stomach)

Question 4

The primary function of the esophagus is in _____\_through its participation in the _____\_ stage of the swallowing reflex

Answer 4

The primary function of the esophagus is in motility through its participation in the esophageal stage of the swallowing reflex

Question 5

What are the five steps of the esophageal stage of the swallowing reflex that the esophagus participates in?

1. Upon entering the esophagus, stretching of the esophagus triggers a ____\______\__ ____\_.
2. ____\_ moves the bolus through the esophagus.
3. Arrival of the bolus at the _____ ____\_ sphincter triggers relaxation of the sphincter.
4. The bolus moves into the ____\_.
5. If necessary, a _____ _____ ____\_ is initiated, and the events above are repeated.

Answer 5

1. Upon entering the esophagus, stretching of the esophagus triggers a primary peristaltic wave.
2. Peristalsis moves the bolus through the esophagus.
3. Arrival of the bolus at the lower esophageal sphincter triggers relaxation of the sphincter.
4. The bolus moves into the stomach.
5. If necessary, a secondary peristaltic wave is initiated, and the events above are repeated.

Question 6

Esophageal stage of the swallowing reflex:

(Top) Stretch receptors in the esophagus respond to the presence of the bolus and initiate a ___ __\_of __\_.

(Middle) The bolus is moved through the esophagus by __\_. Arrival of the bolus at the ___ ___ (______) sphincter causes relaxation of the sphincter.

(Bottom) The bolus moves into the __\_. If a portion of the bolus remains lodged in the esophagus following the primary peristaltic wave, a ___ ___ __\_ is initiated.

Answer 6

Esophageal stage of the swallowing reflex:

(Top) Stretch receptors in the esophagus respond to the presence of the bolus and initiate a primary wave of peristalsis.

(Middle) The bolus is moved through the esophagus by peristalsis. Arrival of the bolus at the lower esophageal (gastroesophageal) sphincter causes relaxation of the sphincter.

(Bottom) The bolus moves into the stomach. If a portion of the bolus remains lodged in the esophagus following the primary peristaltic wave, a secondary peristaltic wave is initiated.

Question 7

The secretion of the esophagus is ____\_, which provides lubrication for the movement of the bolus through to the stomach

Answer 7

The secretion of the esophagus is mucus, which provides lubrication for the movement of the bolus through to the stomach

Question 8

No ____\_or ______\_ occurs in the esophagus.

Answer 8

No digestion or absorption occurs in the esophagus.