Oesophageal

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Oesophageal refers to anything related to the oesophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It is a vital part of the digestive system, responsible for transporting food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach for digestion.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The oesophagus is a muscular tube, approximately 25 centimeters long in adults, that extends from the pharynx to the stomach. It passes through the diaphragm before reaching the stomach.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the oesophagus is to transport food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. This is achieved through a process known as peristalsis, where the muscles of the oesophagus contract and relax in a wave-like motion to push the food down.

Diseases and Conditions[edit | edit source]

There are several diseases and conditions that can affect the oesophagus, including:

  • Oesophageal cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the oesophagus. It is often caused by long-term exposure to certain risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, causing irritation and damage.
  • Achalasia: A rare disorder that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass into the stomach.
  • Oesophagitis: Inflammation of the oesophagus, often caused by infections or GERD.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for oesophageal conditions depends on the specific disease or condition. This can range from lifestyle changes and medication for conditions like GERD, to surgery for conditions like oesophageal cancer or achalasia.

See Also[edit | edit source]


Oesophageal Resources

Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD