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Development, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Esophagus

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Principles of Deglutition

Abstract

Esophageal embryonic development and anatomic features play an important role in both normal function and common pathology of the esophagus. The embryonic endoderm provides the scaffolding for the future esophagus, which will ultimately connect the pharynx to the stomach. The developed esophagus has close anatomic relationships with the cervical spine, thoracic aorta, left atrium, and diagphragmatic haitus—relationships associated with esophageal pathology. Esophageal musculature is composed of an external layer of longitudinal fibers and an internal layer of circular fibers which provide peristaltic force; the backflow of food and acidic gastric contents is prevented at the level of two high-pressure regions: the upper and the lower esophageal sphincters. Microscopically, the esophageal wall is composed of four layers: internal mucosa, submucosa, muscularis propria, and adventitia. The esophagus has a segmental arterial supply without dedicated vasculature. Venous drainage is notable for being a portal-caval connection susceptible to portal hypertension. Esophageal innervation occurs via the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, as well as the intrinsic enteric nervous system.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Resident in Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, 740, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Kyle Staller MD

  2. Department of Gastroenterology, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, MGH, Digestive Healthcare Center, 165 Cambridge St 9th floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Braden Kuo MD, BSc, MSc

Authors
  1. Kyle Staller MD
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  2. Braden Kuo MD, BSc, MSc
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Braden Kuo MD, BSc, MSc .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Div. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, West Wisconsin Avenue 9200, Milwaukee, 53226, Wisconsin, USA

    Reza Shaker

  2. , Dpt Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surg., UC Davis Medical Center, Stockton Blvd. 2521, Sacramento, 95817, California, USA

    Peter C. Belafsky

  3. Ctr for Voice, Airway & Swallowing Disor, Department of Otolaryngology, Georgia Health Sciences University, 15th Street 1120, Augusta, 30912, Georgia, USA

    Gregory N. Postma

  4. , Dpt of Communication Sciences & Disorder, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, East Hartford Ave 2400, Milwaukee, 53201, Wisconsin, USA

    Caryn Easterling

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Staller, K., Kuo, B. (2013). Development, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Esophagus. In: Shaker, R., Belafsky, P., Postma, G., Easterling, C. (eds) Principles of Deglutition. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3794-9_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3794-9_19

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