Oesophagus

Question 1

Where does the oesophagus begin?

Answer 1

At the lower border of the cricoid cartilage

Question 2

What is the blood supply, lymphatics and musculature of the upper third of the oesophagus?

Answer 2

Inferior thyroid artery
Inferior thyroid vein
Deep cervical lymph nodes
muscularis externa -striated muscle

Question 3

What is the blood supply, lymphatics and musculature of the middle third of the oesophagus?

Answer 3

Aortic branches
azygos vein
Mediastinal lymphatics
muscularis externa - smooth and striated muscle

Question 4

What is the blood supply, lymphatics and musculature of the lower third of the oesophagus?

Answer 4

Left gastric artery
left gastric vein
gastric lymph nodes
Muscularis externa - smooth muscle

Question 5

What cells line the oesophagus

Answer 5

Stratified squamous epithelium

Question 6

What is Barret’s oesophagus?

Answer 6

Columnar metaplasia with increased risk of developing adenocarcinoma

Question 7

What is achalasia?

Answer 7

Oesophageal motility disorder involving the smooth muscle layer of the oesophagus and the lower oesophageal sphincter. Characterised by incomplete LOS relaxation, increased LOS tone and lack of peristalsis of the oesophagus

Question 8

What is the microscopic picture in achalasia?

Answer 8

Hypertrophied musculature with absence of myenteric plexus

Question 9

What structures make an indent in the oesophagus?

Answer 9

Left bronchus
aortic arch
left atrium

Question 10

What are the constrictions of the oesophagus?

Answer 10

Cricoid cartilage - 15cm from the incisors
Arch of the aorta - 22.5cm from incisors
Left principal bronchus 0 27cm from incisors
Diaphragmatic hiatus - 40cm from incisors