esophagus (redirected from weasand)

esophagus /esoph·a·gus/ (ĕ-sof´ah-gus) the musculomembranous passage extending from the pharynx to the stomach.

Esophagus, comprising cervical, thoracic, and abdominal parts.

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e·soph·a·gus or oe·soph·a·gus (-sf-gs)

n. pl. e·soph·a·gi (-j, -g)

The portion of the digestive canal between the pharynx and stomach, consisting of a cervical part from the cricoid cartilage to the thoracic inlet, a thoracic part from the thoracic inlet to the diaphragm, and an abdominal part below the diaphragm to the stomach.

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e·sopha·geal (-jl) adj.

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Esophagus

The tube connecting the throat to the stomach, which is about ten inches long in adults. It is coated with mucus and surrounded by muscles, and pushes food to the stomach by sequential waves of contraction. It functions to transport food from the throat to the stomach and to keep the contents of the stomach in the stomach.

Mentioned in: Achalasia, Antigastroesophageal Reflux Drugs, Bariatric Surgery, Bleeding Varices, Cutis Laxa, Failure to Thrive, Hypothermia, Lower Esophageal Ring, Sclerotherapy for Esophageal Varices

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esophagus

[esof′əgəs]

Etymology: Gk, oisophagos

the musculomembranous canal, about 24 cm long, extending from the pharynx to the stomach. It begins in the neck at the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage, opposite the sixth cervical vertebra, and descends to the cardiac sphincter of the stomach in a vertical path with two slight curves. The esophagus is composed of a fibrous coat, a muscular coat, and a submucous coat and is lined with mucous membrane. Also spelled oesophagus. Also called gullet. esophageal, adj.

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esophagus [ĕ-sof´ah-gus]

the musculomembranous passage extending from the pharynx to the stomach, 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) long in an adult, consisting of an outer fibrous coat, a muscular layer, a submucous layer, and an inner mucous membrane. The junction between the stomach and esophagus is closed by a muscular ring known as the cardiac sphincter, which opens to allow the passage of food into the stomach. See also digestive system and Plates.

Disorders of the Esophagus. The most common disorders of the esophagus often involve either an obstruction or a backward flow of food and gastric juice (gastroesophageal reflux). Foreign bodies, accidentally swallowed and lodged in the esophageal passage, can obstruct the flow of foods and fluids, as can malignant or benign tumors. The term achalasia is used to describe a particular disturbance in motility which leads to obstruction at the level of the cardiac sphincter.

Esophagitis, inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the esophagus, may occur in conjunction with gastroenteritis or as a result of reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. The symptoms of hiatal hernia are due in large part to this type of reflux. Hiatal hernia is a protrusion of the stomach, colon, or other intestinal organs through the esophageal hiatus, a narrow opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus normally passes. When the herniation occurs the normal downward passage of food is interrupted.

Esophageal varices are varicose veins of the esophagus and occur most often as a result of obstruction in the portal circulation, especially in portal hypertension. They are potentially dangerous since they tend to rupture easily and may result in serious hemorrhage. Visual examination of the interior lining of the esophagus is accomplished by esophagoscopy.

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esophagus

(isof´gs),
n the muscular canal extending from the pharynx to the stomach.

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esophagus

the musculomembranous passage extending from the pharynx to the stomach, consisting of an outer fibrous coat, a muscular layer (all striated in dogs and ruminants, plus some smooth muscle in cats, pigs and horses), a submucous layer, and an inner mucous membrane. Each end is equipped with a functional sphincter although these are not distinct anatomically.

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redundant esophagus

a ventral esophageal deviation at the thoracic inlet. Seen on x-rays, mainly in brachycephalic dogs.

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esophagus

See Esophageal etc.

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Patient discussion about esophagus.

Q. Cn barret esophagous be cured? I was diagnosed with barretts esophagus several years ago, and so far keeps on the routine follow up. I met some other guy with same condition and he told after his doctor prescribed him with some anti-reflux meds, in the last endoscopy they found normal esophagus, and that he thinks he's now cured. Is that possible?

A. No. It can't be totally cured, especially not the risk of malignancy. The esophagus may seem normal, but the potentially cancerous cells are still there.

Q. do we need the esophagus to live? If we were to take our esophagus away would we still live?

A. Principally, yes. Feeding can be done through a hole in the stomach (PEG). Life is possible this way, although one may argue about the quality of life in this situation.