Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Anatomy and Embryology of the Esophagus

  • Chapter
Barrett’s Esophagus

Abstract

The esophagus is a midline structure lying in front of the spine. It descends through three compartments: the neck, the chest, and the abdomen. This progression has led to the classical anatomical division into cervical, thoracic, and abdominal segments. In order to subdivide the esophagus more suitable for clinicians and physiologists two concepts have been recently developed (Fig.1). Diamant8 stresses functional aspects; he distinguishes between the esophageal body and the two sphincters. The other proposal, by Siewert et al 52, refers to onco-surgical concepts and distinguishes between the proximal and distal esophagus, using the tracheal bifurcation as partition. The latter integrates the features of embryological development, in particular the differently orientated pathways of lymphatic drainage (see section Embryology, this volume).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Aharinejad S, Böck P, Lametschwandtner A. Scanning electron microscopy of esophageal microvasculature in human infants and rabbits. Anat. Embryol 1992; 186: 33–40

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Akiyama H.Surgery for carcinoma of the esophagus. Curr Probl Surg 1980; 17: 53–120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Bombeck CT, Nyhus LM, Donahue PhE. How far should the myotomy extend on the stomach? In Giuli, R, McCallum RW, Skinner DB (eds). Primary motility disorders of the esophagus. Paris London, Libbey Eurotext 1991: 455–6.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Bumm R, Hölscher AIT, Feussner H, et al. Endodissection of the thoracic esophagus. Ann Surg 1993; 218: 97–104.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Butler H. The veins of the esophagus. Thorax 1951; 6: 276–96.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Dankmeijer J, Miete M. Sur le développement de l’estomac. Acta Anat (Basel) 1961; 47: 384–5.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Denk W. Zur Radikaloperation des Oesophaguskarzinoms. Z Chir 1913; 40: 1065–8.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Diamant NE. Physiology of esophageal motor function. Gastroent Clin North Am 1989; 18: 179–94.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Dodds WJ, Stewart, ET, Hodges D et al. Movement of the feline esophagus associated with respiration and peristalsis. J Clin Invest 1983; 52: 1–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Eckardt VF, LeCompte PM. Esophageal ganglia and smooth muscle in the elderly. Dig Dis Sci 1978; 23: 443–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Ekberg O, Lindström C. The upper esophageal sphincter area. Acta Radio] 1987; 28: 173–6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Eliska O. Phreno-oesophageal membrane and its role in the development of hiatal hernia. Acta Anat 1973 (Basel): 86; 137–50.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Enterline H, Thompson JJ. Pathology of the Esophagus. NewYork, Springer, 1984.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  14. Gaudecker B von. Lymphatische Organe. In; Hinrichsen, K.V. (ed.). Human Embryologie. Lehrbuch und Atlas der vorgeburtlichen Entwicklung des Menschen. Berlin, Springer, 1990: 340.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Grey-Turner G. Carcinoma of the esophagus; The question of its treatment by surgery. Lancet 1936; 18: 130–4.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Hamilton WJ, Mossman HW. Hamilton, Boyd, and Mossman’s Human Embryology; Prenatal Development of Form and Function. 4th Ed. Macmillan, London, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Hayek HV. Die Kardia und der Hiatus Oesophagus des Zwerchfells.ZAnat Entwickl Gesch. 1933; 100: 218–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Ilewer E. Development of nerve endings in the foetus. J Anat (Lond.) 1934; 69: 369–79.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Hinrichsen, KV.a) Intestinaltrakt, b) peripheres Nervensystem, c) Venen. In;Hinrichsen, K.V. (ed.). Human Embryologie. Lehrbuch und Atlas der vorgeburtlichen Entwicklung des Menschen. Berlin, Springer, 1990, 516, 449, 305.

    Google Scholar 

  20. His W. Zur Bildungsgeschichte der Lungen beim menschlichen Embryo Arch Mat Entwickl Gesch 1887; 17: 89–106.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Hitchcock RJI, Pemble MJ, Bishop AE et al. Quantitative study of the development and maturation of human esophageal innervation. J Anat 1992; 180: 175–80.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Ismail-Beigi F, Horton PF, Pope CE. Histological consequences of gastroesophageal reflux in man. Gastroenterology, 1970; 58: 163–74.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Johns BAE. Developmental changes in the esophageal epithelium in man. J Mat (Lond) 1952; 86: 431–42.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Johnson FD. The development of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine in the human embryo. Am J Mat 1910; 10: 521–59.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Kluth D, Habenicht R. Tne embryology of usual and unusual types of esophageal atresia. Pediatr Surg Int 1987; 2: 223–7.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Kluth D, Steding G, Seidl W. The embryology of foregut malformations. J Pediatr Surg, 1987; 22: 38993.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Korn, O, Stein HJ, Richter TH et al. Gastroesophageal sphincter; a model. Dis Esoph 1997; 10: 105–9.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Lam KH, Cheung HC, Wong, J et al. The present state of surgical treatment of carcinoma of the esophagus. J R Coll Surg Edinb 1982; 27: 315–26.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Lehnert TH, Erlandson A, Decosse JJ. Lymph and blood capillaries of the human gastric mucosa. A morphologic basis for metastasis in early gastric carcinoma. Gastroenterology 1985; 89: 939–50.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Liebermann-Meffert D. Die Muskelarchitektur der Magenwand des menschlichen Foeten im Vergleich zum Aufbau der Magenwand des Erwachsenen. Morph Jb1966: 108; 391–400.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Lieberman-Meffert D. Form und Lageentwicklung des menschlichen Magens und seiner Mesenterien. Acta Mat (Basel) 1969; 72: 376–410.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Liebermann-Meffert D, Allgöwer M, Schmid P, et al. Muscular equivalent of the lower esophageal sphincter. Gastroenterology 1979; 76: 31–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Liebermann-Meffert D, Heberer M, Allgöwer M. The muscular counterpart of the lower esophageal sphincter. In DeMeester TR, and Skinner, DB (eds.). Esophageal Disorders;Pathology and Therapy. New York, Raven Press, 1985.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Liebermann-Meffert D, Lüscher U, Neff U, et al. Esophagectomy without thoracotomy; Is there a risk of intramediastinal bleeding. A study on blood supply of the esophagus. Ann Surg 1987; 206: 184–92.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Liebermann-Meffert D, Siewert J.R. Arterial anatomy of the esophagus. A review of literature with brief comments on clinical aspects. Gullet 1992; 2: 3–10.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Liebermann-Meffert D, Meier R, Siewert JR. Vascular anatomy of the gastric tube used for esophageal reconstruction. Ann Thorac Surg 1992; 54: 1110–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Liebermann-Meffert D. The pharyngoesophageal segment; Anatomy and innervation. Dis Esoph 1995; 8: 242–51.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Liebermann-Meffert D, Duranceau A, Stein, HJ. Anatomy and Embryology. In Orringer, M.B., and Zuidema, G.D. (eds);Shackelford’s Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. The Esophagus, Vol I, 5th edition. Philadelphia London Toronto Sydney Tokyo, Saunders, 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Liebermann-Meffert D. Funktionsstörungen des pharyngo-ösophagealen Übergangs;a) Funktionelle and chirurgisch orientierte Anatomie, b) Mobilitätsstörungen des tubulären Ösophagus. In; Fuchs KH, Stein HJ, Thiede, A (eds). Gastrointestinale Funktionsstörungen, Diagnose, Operationsindikation, Therapie. Berlin Heidelberg New York, Springer, 1997.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Liebermann-Meffert D, Walbrun B, Hiebert CA. et al. Recurrent and Superior Laryngeal Nerves–A new Look With Implications for the Esophageal Surgeon Ann Thorac Surg 1999; 67: 212–6.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Menard D, Arsenault P. Maturation of human fetal esophagus maintained in organ culture. Anat Rec 1987; 217: 348–54.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Moore KL. The Developing Human; Clinically Oriented Embryology, 4d’ ed. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1988.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Mueller-Botha GS. Organogenesis and growth of the gastroesophageal region in man. Anat Rec 1959; 133: 219–39.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Netter FH. The Ciba Collection of Medical Illustrations, Vol. 3. Digestive System. Part I;Upper Digestive Tract. New York, Ciba Pharmaceutical Embassy, 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Ngan SYF, Wong J. Lengths of different routes for esophageal replacement. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1986; 91: 790–4.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Neumann J. Die Metaplasie des foetalen Oesophagusepithels Fortschr Med 1897: 15; 366–9.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Orringer MB, Orringer JS. Esophagectomy without thoracotomy; A dangerous operation? J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1983; 85: 72–80.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Preiksaitis HG, Tremblay L, Diamant NE. Regional differences in the in vitro behaviour of muscle fibers from the human lower esophageal sphincter. J Gastrointest Motility 1991; 3: 195–201.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Samuelson SL, Bombeck CT, Nyhus LM. Lower esophageal sphincter competence; Anatomic-physiologic correlation. In DeMeester, TR, and Skinner, DB (eds.). Esophageal Disorders. Pathophysiology and Therapy. New York, Raven Press, 1985.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Savary M, Miller G. The Esophagus. Handbook and Atlas of Endoscopy Solothum, Gassman, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Siewert JR, Jennewein HM, and Waldeck, F.;Experimentelle Un-tersuchungen zur Funktion des unteren Oesophagussphinkters nach Intrathorakalverlagerung, Myotomie und zirkulärer Myektomie. Bruns Beitr Klin Chir 1973; 22: 818–28.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Siewert JR, Liebermann-Meffert D, Fekete F, et al.. Oesophaguscarcinom. In Siewert JR, Harder F, Allgöwer M, et al. (eds). Chirurgische Gastroenterologie, Band 2, 2. Auflage, Berlin Heidelberg New York, Springer, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Skandalakis JE, Gray, SW (eds.). Embryology for Surgeons;The Embryological Basis for the Treatment of Congenital Anomalies, 2nd ed. Baltimore, Williams and Wilkins, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Smith EI. The early development of the trachea and esophagus in relation to atresia of the esophagus and tracheoesophageal fistula. Contr Embryol Carneg Instn 1957: 36; 41–57.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Stein I-H, Liebermann-Meffert D, DeMeester TR, et al. Threedimensional pressure image and muscular structure of the human lower esophageal sphincter. Surgery 1995; 117: 692–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Vianna A, Hayes PC, Moscoso G, et.al. Normal venous circulation of the gastroesophageal junction. A route of understanding varices. Gastroenterology 1987; 93: 876–89.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Wegener OH. Whole Body Computerized Tomography. Basel, Karger, 1983.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Williams PL, Warwick R. Gray’s Anatomy. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone, 1980.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Winans CS. Manometric asymmetry of the lower esophageal high pressure zone. Gastroenterology 1972; 62: 830–1.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Winans CS. The pharyngoesophageal closure mechanism; A manometric study. Gastroenterology 1972; 63: 768–77.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Wirth W, Frommhold H. Der Ductus thoracicus und seine Variationen. Lymphographische Studie. Fortschr Roentgenstr 1970; 112: 450–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Zschiesche W. Kompensationsmechanismen des menschlichen Ductus thoracicus bei Lymphabflußstörungen. Fortschr Med 11963; 81: 86972.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Zwa-Tun HA. The tracheo-esophageal septum — fact or fantasy ? Acta Anat. (Basel)1982: 114: 1–21.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. D. Liebermann — Meffert
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

    Hugo W. Tilanus (Professor of Surgery) (Professor of Surgery)

  2. Hope Hospital, Salford, UK

    Stephen E. A. Attwood F.R.C.S. (Consultant Surgeon) (Consultant Surgeon)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2001 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Liebermann — Meffert, D. (2001). Anatomy and Embryology of the Esophagus. In: Tilanus, H.W., Attwood, S.E.A. (eds) Barrett’s Esophagus. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0829-6_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0829-6_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-481-5860-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-017-0829-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation