Oesophagus Flashcards
In which layers of the oesophagus are the glands that secrete lubricating mucous located?
Submucosa
What cell types makes up the muscosa layer of the oesophagus
Non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
What is the location of the oesophagus
Connects the inferior laryngopharynx to the sup portion of the stomach. Found posteriorly to the trachea and anteriorly to the vertebral column. Runs through the mediastinum.
Runs from C6 - T11
What is the superficial layer of the oesophagus called and what is its function?
Adventitia - connects the oesophagus to surrounding structures in the mediastinum due to its collapsible tube nature.
What is the name of the areola connective tissue found in the mucosa layer of the oesophagus?
Lamina Propria
What is another name for swallowing and what is it?
Deglutition - movement of food/drink from the oral cavity to the stomach
What are the functions of the upper and lower oesophageal sphincter?
Upper - allows passage of food from the pharynx to the oesophagus
Lower - allows passage of food from the oesophagus to the stomach
What occurs during the voluntary and pharyngeal phases of swallowing?
Voluntary - tongue pushes food/drink to back of oral cavity and into the oralpharnyx
Pharyngeal - nasopharynx is closed off by rising of the soft palate and uvula, epiglottis closes the entry to the larynx, upper oesophageal sphincter relaxes and bolus passes through to the oesophagus from the laryngopharynx
What are the names of the 3 stages of swallowing?
Voluntary stage
Pharyngeal stage
Oesophageal stage
Describe the process of peristalsis within the oesophageal stage of swallowing
Bolus enters the oeophagus
Circular muscalris sup to bolus contracts constricting the oephagus narrowing the walls pushing food toward the stomach. Longitudinal muscles inf to bolus also contract shortening and widening the walls allowing space for bolus to move into.
What is achalasia
Failure of lower oesophageal sphincter to relax normally causing slow passage of food into the stomach. Food gets lodged.
Roughly how long does it take for food to travel from the oral cavity to the stomach
4-8 seconds.
What is GORD
GORD is where there is failure of the lower oesophageal sphincter to contract and close properly after food has entered the stomach causing the stomach acid to reflux back into the oesophagus causing a burning sensation.
Give 3 preventable risk factors of oesophageal cancer
Alcohol
Tobacco
Obesity