Oesophagus

Question 1

Where does the Oesophagus join the pharynx?

Answer 1

At the same level the larynx joins the trachea

Question 2

How are the muscles arranged in the Oesophagus?

Answer 2

The circular muscle layer is inside the longitudinal muscle layer (this is the opposite to the pharynx)

Question 3

Where is the Oesophagus found?

Answer 3

Oesophagus passes down through the neck and thorax just in front of the spine.
It turns somewhat to the left as it passes out of the thorax through the diaphragm.

Question 4

Where does the oesophagus travel to after leaving the diaphragm?

Answer 4

It emerges through the diaphragm and joins the stomach

Question 5

Where does the stomach lie and what does it drain into?

Answer 5

lies in the upper part of the abdominal cavity, passing from left to right in close association with the liver. It drains into the small intestine on the right-hand side of the upper abdomen.

Question 6

What does the blood travelling back to the heart from the stomach and intestines pass through?

Answer 6

The liver
Blood from the lower part of the oesophagus can drain into the liver, but it can also get back to the heart through vessels which don’t involve the liver

Question 7

What can make it difficult for the blood to pass through the liver?

Answer 7

If the liver has been scarred due to alcoholic cirrhosis

Question 8

what problems can arise if blood is finding it hard to pass through the liver if It has been scarred due to alcoholic cirrhosis

Answer 8

This causes the blood to find other ways to the heart
(This increased pressure in the veins that normally supply the liver is what drives this - this increased pressure is called ‘portal hypertension’)

Question 9

What alternative routes does blood take If it cannot pass through the liver?

Answer 9

One way is through the oesophageal veins that bypass the liver.

Question 10

What problems arise if blood tries returning to the heart from the stomach via the oesophagus

Answer 10

Causes a large increase in blood flow through the oesophageal veins.
Causing them to dilated (‘varicose’). If these abnormally dilated veins in the lower end of the oesophagus rupture, then blood can be vomited in large volumes (haematemesis). This can be immediately life-threatening.