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Anatomy and Physiology of the Esophagus and Lower Esophageal Sphincter

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The SAGES Manual of Foregut Surgery

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Abstract

As surgeons address foregut disease in their patients with different procedures, a review of relevant anatomy and physiology of the esophagus and LES will complement discussion with their patients and decision-making. As will be apparent in this chapter, the esophagus is more than a conduit that directs liquids and food to other organs, deters reflux, and serves as a passageway for radiographic contrast or endoscopes to define more distant foregut disease/disorders. Instead, the esophagus is a very complex organ whose function is directed by CNS and intrinsic esophageal control that is implemented by skeletal and smooth muscle.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Lawrence F. Johnson

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  1. University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA

    Jayleen Grams

  2. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

    Kyle A. Perry

  3. Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Ali Tavakkoli

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Johnson, L.F. (2019). Anatomy and Physiology of the Esophagus and Lower Esophageal Sphincter. In: Grams, J., Perry, K., Tavakkoli, A. (eds) The SAGES Manual of Foregut Surgery . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-96122-4_2

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