Oesophagus

Question 1

What is the oesophagus?

Answer 1

Muscular tube which passes from pharynx to stomach, passing thru diaphragm and into abdomen

Question 2

What happens when food enters the oesophagus?

Answer 2

Involuntary action of smooth muscle pushes food towards the stomach

Question 3

What is at the junction between oesophagus and stomach?

Answer 3

Lower oesophageal sphincter

Question 4

Lower oesophageal sphincter

Answer 4

Increases tension produced by oesophageal wall = prevents reflux of stomachs contents into oesophagus

Question 5

What is a hiatus hernia

Answer 5

Occurs when upper part of stomach squeezes through gap between oesophagus and diaphragm - 10% of pop experience it

Question 6

Gastro-oesophageal reflux

Answer 6

Reflux due to hiatus hernia

Question 7

How to avoid reflux?

Answer 7

Eating frequent small meals, reduce caffeine, alcohol and spicy meals, raise upper body slightly when sleeping