Esophagus: Functions, Oesophagus & Esophageal Sphincters

The oesophagus, also called the food pipe, is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx (throat) to the stomach (oesophagus). The oesophagus is around 8 inches in length and coated with mucosa, a moist pink tissue. The oesophagus is located behind the windpipe (trachea), in front of the heart, and behind the spine. The oesophagus travels through the diaphragm just before entering the stomach.

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Food pipe or Oesophagus 

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The oesophagus, often known as the food pipe, is a 25-centimeter-long fibromuscular tube that carries food from the pharynx to the stomach. The width ranges from 1.5 to 2 cm.

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Esophageal Sphincters

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The upper and lower esophageal sphincters are the two sphincters found in the oesophagus. They work to keep air out and gastric contents from refluxing back into the stomach.

The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is a group of muscles that runs across the top of the oesophagus. The UES muscles are controlled by the brain and are utilised for breathing, eating, belching, and vomiting. They block the passage of food and fluids down the windpipe.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a group of muscles that connects the oesophagus to the stomach at its lowest point. The LES stops acid and stomach contents from flowing backwards from the stomach when it is closed. The LES muscles are not controlled by the brain.

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Anatomical Structure of the Esophagus

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Many of the organs of the alimentary canal have similar anatomy to the oesophagus:

• Adventitia – The outer layer of connective tissue.
• Muscle layer – The external layer of longitudinal muscle and an inner layer of circular muscle.
• Mucosa – The mucosa is the innermost layer of the skin, which contains many mucous glands.
• Submucosa – The submucosa connects the mucosa to the muscularis and is the upper sheath of the mucosa. It's largely made up of a dense fibrous layer.

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Functions of the Esophagus

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The activities of the food pipe are crucial to understanding what the oesophagus is.

• It serves as a link between the digestive and respiratory systems, going via the thoracic cavity.
• It aids in the bolus process, which is the separation of ingested food into minute particles.
• The food pipe also plays an important role in preventing food from entering the windpipe. With the help of the epiglottis movement, it avoids such invasion.
• Muscle contractions assist the oesophagus transport food through the thoracic cavity.
• By using repetitive relaxations and contractions of the esophageal muscles, it also ensures that food is passed quickly.

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Esophageal conditions

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• Heartburn: Acidic stomach contents can back up (reflux) into the oesophagus if the LES isn't entirely closed. Heartburn, cough, or hoarseness are all indications of reflux, but it can sometimes go unnoticed.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when reflux happens regularly or is uncomfortable (GERD).
• Esophagitis: The oesophagus is inflamed. Esophagitis can be caused by irritation (such as reflux or radiation) or infection.
• Barrett’s oesophagus: Regular stomach acid reflux irritates the oesophagus, causing structural changes in the lower section. Barrett's oesophagus is a rare condition that can lead to esophageal cancer.
• Esophageal ulcer: The lining of the oesophagus has eroded in a specific location. Chronic reflux is a common cause of this.
• Oesophageal cancer: Esophageal cancer is uncommon, despite its seriousness. Smoking, heavy drinking, and persistent reflux are all risk factors for esophageal cancer.
• Mallory: Veiss tear: The lining of the oesophagus tears when you vomit or retch. The oesophagus leaks into the stomach, which is frequently followed by blood vomiting.
• Esophageal varices: Veins in the oesophagus can become engorged and protrude in persons with cirrhosis. These veins, known as varices, are prone to life-threatening haemorrhages.
• Esophageal ring: A benign collection of tissue in a ring around the oesophagus's lower end. Schatzki's rings normally cause no symptoms, however, they might make swallowing difficult.
• Esophageal web: An Esophageal ring-like collection of tissue that usually arises in the upper oesophagus. Esophageal webs, like rings, normally cause no symptoms.
• Plummer - Vinson syndrome: Chronic iron deficiency anaemia, esophageal webs, and trouble swallowing are all symptoms of this illness. Treatments include iron replenishment and esophageal web dilatation.
• Esophageal stricture: A narrowing of the oesophagus is caused by a variety of factors that, if severe enough, can make swallowing difficult.

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Points to Remember

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• The oesophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx (throat) to the stomach (oesophagus).
• The oesophagus is around 8 inches long and covered in the mucosa, which is a pink, wet tissue.
• After passing via the larynx, food reaches the oesophagus.
• The oesophagus is the next point of contact for food entering the gastrointestinal tract after the buccal cavity.
• By controlling the movement of the epiglottis, it is responsible for preventing food from entering the windpipe.

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