If food gets stuck or moves too slowly, "stretch receptors" in the esophageal wall trigger a second wave to clear the remaining debris.
Located at the junction where the esophagus meets the stomach. Its primary job is to act as a one-way valve, letting food in but preventing caustic stomach acid from splashing back up. 3. Physiology: The Art of Peristalsis Gastrointestinal Anatomy and Physiology: The Es...
A unique two-layer muscle system. The upper third is skeletal muscle (voluntary), the bottom third is smooth muscle (involuntary), and the middle is a transition of both. If food gets stuck or moves too slowly,
Occurs when the LES weakens, allowing acid to damage the esophageal lining. Occurs when the LES weakens, allowing acid to
The esophagus is guarded at both ends by physiological valves known as sphincters:
A result of chronic acid exposure where the squamous cells change into columnar cells (similar to the stomach), increasing the risk of cancer. Conclusion