Esophagus and Swallowing Quiz

The coordinated muscular contractions that move food through the esophagus.

The pressure exerted by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to keep the stomach contents from refluxing back into the esophagus.

The rhythmic, coordinated activation of esophageal muscles, triggered by swallowing, ensuring efficient food transport.

The point where the esophagus connects to the stomach, acting as a barrier and pressure-sensitive valve.

A condition where the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm, weakening the lower esophageal sphincter and potentially causing reflux.

The pressure inside the esophagus when food moves down, it rises to a peak for half a second, then drops over 1.5 seconds.

A continuous wave of muscular contractions that pushes food down the esophagus.

The initial peristaltic wave that starts after swallowing.

The speed of the peristaltic wave moving down the esophagus is about 2 to 4 centimeters per second.

The time it takes for the primary peristaltic wave to reach the end of the esophagus after swallowing is about 9 seconds.

The act of swallowing initiates signals from the swallowing center to muscles in the esophagus, causing the peristaltic wave.

Rapidly repeating swallows don't immediately trigger peristalsis. The esophagus remains relaxed, waiting for the last swallow before initiating the wave.

Muscle activation is sequential, meaning one part of the esophagus contracts before the next, creating the wave of pressure.

The muscle that helps the cricopharyngeus relax during swallowing. This relaxation allows food to pass from the pharynx into the esophagus.

A ring of muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach that helps prevent reflux.

The natural process of stomach contents flowing back up into the esophagus.

The ability to clear acid from the esophagus quickly and effectively.

Physiologic reflux is more common when awake and upright due to changes in pressure and LES relaxation.

Transient losses of the gastroesophageal barrier can lead to reflux. This occurs when either the LES relaxes or pressure in the stomach overcomes the sphincter.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a muscle that helps prevent reflux. It relaxes temporarily, allowing food to pass into the stomach, but normally remains contracted.

Pressure inside the stomach can overcome the LES, pushing acid back up into the esophagus. This is another mechanism for reflux.

The pressure inside the stomach is lower than the pressure outside the body, which helps keep gastric contents inside.

This pressure difference makes it easier for stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.

The pressure inside the stomach is higher than the pressure outside the body, which helps prevent reflux.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) naturally stays closed, preventing stomach contents from flowing into the esophagus.

Nerves and hormones can adjust the LES pressure.

Certain chemicals can either increase or decrease the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Failure of the LES to relax at the right time allows reflux to occur.

The LES doesn't always relax properly to allow food to pass through, leading to reflux.

The upper esophageal sphincter, located at the junction of the pharynx and esophagus, is responsible for preventing air from entering the esophagus during breathing and food from backing up into the pharynx during swallowing.

The cricopharyngeal muscle has two separate functions: the retrothyroid portion contracts to push food down, while the retrocricoid portion relaxes, allowing food to pass into the esophagus.

The cervical part of the esophagus lies in the neck, extending from the pharynx to the thorax.

The thoracic part of the esophagus runs through the chest cavity, passing through the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen) before connecting to the stomach.

The thoracic duct is a large lymphatic vessel that collects lymph fluid from the lower body and drains it back into the circulatory system. It passes through the diaphragm alongside the esophagus.

The esophagus is in close contact with the vertebral bodies (bones of the spine) as it travels through the chest. This proximity helps shape its path.

The azygos vein is a large vein that collects blood from the chest and abdomen and drains it into the superior vena cava. It lies on the right side of the esophagus in the chest.

The descending thoracic aorta is a major artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart down to the lower body. It lies on the left side of the esophagus in the chest.

A condition where the lining of the lower esophagus changes from squamous epithelium to columnar epithelium, often due to long-term exposure to stomach acid.

A change in the type of cells lining an organ, specifically in Barrett's Esophagus, where the normal squamous epithelium is replaced by columnar epithelium.

A diagnostic test used to visualize the esophagus and stomach using a flexible tube with a camera attached.

A procedure where a small sample of tissue is taken for examination under a microscope, often to diagnose conditions like Barrett's Esophagus.

The junction between the esophagus and the stomach, often affected in cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

A test where barium is swallowed to visualize the esophagus and stomach on x-ray, helping to detect abnormalities.

A condition where gastric contents flow back up into the esophagus, often causing heartburn.