The oesophagus

Question 1

what is the oespgagus

Answer 1

The Oesophagus is a muscular tube connecting the Pharynx in the neck (C6 level), to the Stomach in the abdomen (T10 level).

Question 2

what are the oesophageal muscles

Answer 2

it has an inner circle layer of muscle
it has an outer longitudinal layer of muscle
- upper third is made out of started muscle
- lower third made out of smooth muscle

Question 3

what causes the antireflux mechanism

Answer 3

1. LOS which is contracted permanently between meals, and relaxes under neuro-hormonal effect during meals.
2. The Abdominal Part of the Oesophagus ( 3-5 cm), its lumen is collapsed all the time under the effect of the intra-abdominal pressure.

Question 4

what is the relations to the upper half of the oesophagus

Answer 4

1. Posteriorly: the vertebral column.
2. Anteriorly: the Trachea
3. On both sides: the dome of the Pleura and superior lobe of each lung. In the groove made by the trachea and Oesophagus you will find the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve.

Question 5

what is the relations to the lower half of the oesophagus

Answer 5

1. Posteriorly: the vertebral column.
2. Anteriorly: the heart (left Atrium).
3. On the left: descending thoracic aorta.
   4 .On the right: the azygos vein and inferior lobe of right lung.