What Does The Esophagus Do? A Complete Overview Of The Esophagus
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with GERD, achalasia, chronic acid reflux, or another related disorder, you may be hearing a flurry of terms that you’re unfamiliar with (such as upper vs lower esophageal sphincter, peristalsis, etc ). Or perhaps you’re just curious about the esophagus.
Today we’re going over the very basics esophagus function and terminology so that the next time you talk to your reflux specialist, you’ll know a bit more about how this integral part of your digestive system is supposed to work in the first place.
What Is An Esophagus?
In short, the esophagus is a muscular tube that connects your throat (also known as the pharynx) with your stomach. Typically, an esophagus is 8 inches long and is lined with soft tissue called the mucosa. The mucosa allow food to glide down the esophagus with ease.
Parts Of The Esophagus
In addition to the pharynx at the top the esophagus, the mucosa lining, and the muscular tube that makes up the majority of the esophagus itself, there are two especially important parts of the esophagus: the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
The UES is a ring of muscles near the top of the esophagus, responsible for keeping food and liquids from entering the windpipe. Your brain consciously controls the UES as part of eating, burping, breathing, and vomiting.
The LES, meanwhile, is another ring of muscles located at the top of the stomach (or the bottom of the esophagus). The LES's primary purpose is to prevent acid and stomach contents from traveling back up into the esophagus.
How The Esophagus Works
When you eat, food travels through the esophagus into the stomach. However, it does not just drop down into the stomach; food and liquids are propelled by rhythmic waves of muscular contractions called peristalsis.
When you are not eating or drinking, both the LES and UES close up to prevent food and acid from backing up. When you swallow, both muscles open up to allow mucus, food, and liquid to pass through.
So What Happens When The Esophagus Doesn’t Work Like It Should?
When either the UES or LES stops working correctly for various kinds of reasons, many different diseases and conditions may result. Some of the more common esophageal issues are:
GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease)
Acid reflux (when acid backs up into your esophagus, causing severe heartburn and other symptoms)
Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
Barrett's Esophagus (pre-cancerous changes to the esophagus)
Ulcers
Esophageal Cancer
These are just a few of the common conditions associated with an esophagus that is not working correctly.
Where To Turn For Esophagus Help
Talk to your reflux doctor if you have additional questions about your esophagus, how it works, and these common medical issues, along with the revolutionary treatments we offer to correct them.