Oesophagus and its disorders Flashcards
What is the oesophagus?
- Fibromuscular tube (25cm) of striated squamous epithelium
Where does the oesophagus lie?
- Lies posterior to the trachea
Where does the oesophagus begin and join the stomach?
- Begins at end of laryngopharynx and joins stomach a few cm from diaphragm (at the cardiac orifice)
What is the oesophagus wall composed of?
- The oesophagus wall is composed of striated muscle in the upper part, smooth muscle in the lower part, and a mixture of the two in the middle.
What coexists at the LOS?
- At the LOS both squamous and columnar epithelium may coexist.
What are the functions of the oesophagus?
- Transports food to stomach (eating gullet)
* Secretes mucus
What promotes the transport of ingested food into the stomach?
– Relaxation of the sphincters (UOS and LOS)
What does relaxation of the sphincters involve?
involves contraction and relaxation of the oesophagus which transports the food through the GIT
Steps that occur down the oesophagus
it moves from the mouth to the throat (pharynx; 1). Just as the food approaches the upper oesophageal sphincter, it opens (2) so that food/bolus can enter the oesophagus. Then rhythmic waves of muscular contractions and relaxations, called peristalsis, propel the food downward (3). The food/bolus then passes through the lower oesophageal sphincter (4) and finally into the stomach (reservoir; 5)
What muscles surrond the oesophagus?
Skeletal and smooth muscle
Where does the skeletal muscle surround the oesophagus from?
• Skeletal muscles surround the oesophagus below the pharynx (the upper third)
Where does the skeletal muscle surround the oesophagus from?
• Smooth muscles surround the lower two thirds
How many sphincters does the oesophagus have?
2
What are the 2 sphincters known as?
- Upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS)
* Lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS)
What type of muscle is the UOS?
Striated muscle
What type of structure is the UOS?
• Musculo-cartilaginous structure
Why is the UOS constricited?
• Constricted to avoid air entering the oesophagus
What type of muscle is the LOS?
Smooth muscle
What is the LOS?
area of high pressure zone where the oesophagus merges with the stomach
What type of components does the LOS has?
• LOS has intrinsic and extrinsic components
What is the intrinsic component of the LOS and where is it located?
• Intrinsic component: oesophageal muscles; under neurohormonal influence
What is the extrinsic component of the LOS?
diaphragm muscle
What can the Malfunction of intrinsic and extrinsic components of LOS ?
Leads to GORD(oesophageal reflux disease)
What layers does the intrinsic components of LOS have?
- Thick circular smooth muscle layers
What fibres are located on the right hand side of the intrinsic component of the LOS?
- Clasp-like semicircular smooth muscle fibres on the right side
What type of activity does the intrinsic components of LOS have, and what is it less responsive of?
– Myogenic activity (some resting tone), but less ACh-responsive
What fibres are located on the left hand side of the intrinsic component of the LOS?
– Sling-like oblique gastric (angle of His) muscle fibres on the left side
How does the intrinsic components of LOS helps to prevent regurgitation?
Intrinsic components of LOS Work in concert with the clasp like-semicircular smooth muscle fibres, help to prevent regurgitation