The esophagus is the muscular tube of the digestive tract that conveys swallowed food and liquid from the pharynx to the stomach. Its wall comprises an inner mucosa of stratified squamous epithelium, a submucosa, and muscle layers that transition from striated muscle in the upper portion to smooth muscle below, allo…
The esophagus is the muscular tube of the digestive tract that conveys swallowed food and liquid from the pharynx to the stomach. Its wall comprises an inner mucosa of stratified squamous epithelium, a submucosa, and muscle layers that transition from striated muscle in the upper portion to smooth muscle below, allowing both voluntary and involuntary control of transit. Two sphincters regulate its function: the upper esophageal sphincter prevents air entry and aspiration, while the lower esophageal sphincter maintains a pressure barrier that limits reflux of gastric contents. Coordinated peristaltic contractions propel a bolus distally, and orderly relaxation of the lower sphincter permits passage into the stomach. Disorders of the esophagus fall into several categories. Motility disorders arise when peristalsis or sphincter relaxation is disrupted, producing dysphagia and chest discomfort, and may be provoked by refluxed acid or bile that alters neuromuscular signalling. Gastroesophageal reflux disease results from failure of the antireflux barrier, with mucosal injury and potential progression to metaplasia. Structural and congenital anomalies, such as tracheoesophageal fistula, and neoplasms, including squamous and adenosquamous carcinomas, also affect the organ. Evaluation employs endoscopy, manometry, imaging, and functional studies. Research addresses the mechanisms of dysmotility, the consequences of chronic reflux, and the diagnosis and management of esophageal disease.
7 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 7 articles above have been cited 17 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Esophagus, linking to each citing work.