What is cervical esophagus?
Cervical esophagus: This is the uppermost part of the esophagus, and it extends from the hypopharynx to the sternal notch (the indentation in the middle of the neck between the two collarbones).
What are the two types of esophagus?
Most esophageal cancers can be classified as one of two types: adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. A third type of esophageal cancer, called small cell carcinoma, is very rare. These different types of cancer begin in different kinds of cells in the esophagus.
What are the constrictions of Oesophagus?
There are three normal esophageal constrictions that should not be confused for pathological constrictions:
- cervical constriction: due to cricoid cartilage at the level of C5/6.
- thoracic constriction: due to aortic arch at the level of T4/5.
- abdominal constriction: at esophageal hiatus at T10/11.
Is esophageal achalasia a form of cancer?
Achalasia is a chronic condition that can increase the risk for developing esophageal cancer. It occurs when the valve between the esophagus and the stomach does not open properly and the esophageal pump does not push food down, allowing it to collect within the esophagus.
Which side of the throat is the esophagus on?
The oropharynx is the area at the middle of the throat behind the mouth. The hypopharynx is the area at the lower part of the throat. The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach.
Is your esophagus on the right or left?
To understand why, look to the shape of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The esophagus is located in the centre of your body, but the stomach is a curved organ with the majority of its volume in the left side of the upper abdomen.
What 2 things help the food down the oesophagus?
Peristalsis squeezes your esophageal muscles from top to bottom. This pushes food and liquid along. If you could see peristalsis, it would look like a wave passing down your esophagus. To keep food and liquids moving in the right direction, your digestive tract has special muscles along its course called sphincters.
How do I know if my esophagus is damaged?
Symptoms
- Difficult swallowing.
- Painful swallowing.
- Chest pain, particularly behind the breastbone, that occurs with eating.
- Swallowed food becoming stuck in the esophagus (food impaction)
- Heartburn.
- Acid regurgitation.