The oesophagus. Flashcards
What is the oesophagus?
A muscular tube which passes from the back of the mouth all the way down to the stomach, passing through the diaphragm.
What is hiatus hernia?
When part of the stomach squeezes through a gap between the oesophagus and the diaphragm. (hiatus)
What is the lower oesophageal sphincter?
Bands of muscle from the diaphragm which further increase the tension produced by the oesophageal wall. It prevents reflux of the stomach’s contents into the oesophagus.
What does the muscularis externa of the oesophagus consist of?
The upper third consists of skeletal muscle, the lower two thirds of smooth muscle.
Where are mucus secreting glands of the oesophagus present?
In the lamina propria and the submucosa.
What is innervation of the oesophagus provided by?
The vagus nerve?
