Oesophageal

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

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

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

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

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

• Digestive system
• Stomach
• Throat

Oesophageal Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia