Upper esophageal sphincter
Upper Esophageal Sphincter
The Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES) is a region of the esophagus that is responsible for preventing air from entering the esophagus and food from refluxing into the pharynx. It is located at the top of the esophagus and is one of two sphincters, the other being the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES).
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The UES is composed of a combination of skeletal muscle, similar to the esophagus, and is under voluntary control. It is approximately 2-3 cm in length and is located at the level of the cricoid cartilage.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the UES is to prevent the reflux of food and secretions from the esophagus back into the pharynx. It also prevents air from entering the esophagus during respiration. The UES remains in a state of contraction, or closure, except during swallowing, belching, and vomiting.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Dysfunction of the UES can lead to a variety of medical conditions, including Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), and Dysphagia. These conditions can cause symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Esophagus
- Lower Esophageal Sphincter
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
- Dysphagia
References[edit | edit source]
| Upper esophageal sphincter Resources | |
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
