Question

Describe the anatomy and function of the esophagus. Is it constructed for the frequent presence of gastric juice?

Answer 1

Oesophagus is a tube which connects pharynx to the stomach. Oesophagus is long, thin and muscular. It transports foods and liquids which has been swallowed in the pharynx to the stomach. The muscles of the oesophagus undergoes peristaltic movement which propels the food and liquids from pharynx to stomach. It is present posteriorly to trachea in the neck and thoracic region and passes to stomach via oesophageal hiatus of diaphragm. Upper oesophageal sphincter is present at the superior end of oesophagus where it meets the pharynx. It opens when the food and liquids has to be swallowed from pharynx to stomach. Lower oesophageal sphincter is present at the inferior end of oesophagus where oesophagus meets the opening of stomach which permits passage of food from oesophagus to stomach. Oesophagus is made up of four tissue layers: Mucosa layer which forms the inner lining of oesophagus, Submucosa layer which has blood supply and nerve supply to mucosa and other parts of oesophagus, Muscularis layer which contracts and expands to move the food through oesophagus and Adventitia layer which attaches outside of oesophagus to the surrounding organs.

Oesophagus is not constructed for frequent presence of gastric juice as it does not contain any gastric juice producing glands but sometimes due to malfunctioning (weakning) of lower oesophageal sphincter the gastric juice from stomach rushes upwards towards oesophagus causing gastric irritation on the inner lining of oesophagus. If this happens frequently then it is called as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).