Esophagus
Overview
Anatomy
The esophagus begins at the larynx and ends on the stomach. It is typically 20-28cm long. Endoscopic information relates will not be removed from the Esophagus entrance but on the jaw (teeth).
The esophagus has three physiologically Engen: On input (oesophageal) caused by the annular cartilage of the larynx (cricoid), in the course in the area of bifurcation of the trachea, and when passing through the diaphragm.
The esophagus is lined by a non-keratinizing squamous epithelium.
Function
The esophagus is used to transport the food consumed by the chest to the stomach. For this he is surrounded with several layers muscle tissue. By the pharynx to the stomach extending contraction waves (a strain of the muscle) is a fast passage. At the lower end there is a closure (lower Esophageal sphincter), which opens at an approaching bolus.
Diseases
Changes in the esophagus are usually purchased and only rarely (congenital malformations). Cause could be changes in the function (dysfunction of the lower sphincter in achalasia or failure in the reflux esophagitis, nutcracker esophagus, diverticula), injuries (foreign body, acid) or growths (esophageal carcinoma).