Organ
Esophagus
Muscular passage from pharynx to stomach
High-yield
Its external muscle coat changes gradually from predominantly striated above, through a mixed region, to smooth muscle below. The transitions do not form exact equal thirds.
Overview
The esophagus crosses the neck and chest before passing through the diaphragm. Coordinated circular and longitudinal muscle activity moves swallowed material toward the stomach; sphincter regions regulate entry and reflux.
Reference facts
- Location
- From the lower pharynx near C6 through the mediastinum, then through the diaphragm to the stomach
- Parts
- Cervical, thoracic and short abdominal portions
- Blood supply
- Inferior thyroid branches in the neck; aortic and bronchial branches in the chest; left gastric and inferior phrenic branches below
- Innervation
- Vagal motor pathways with enteric plexuses, plus sympathetic and visceral afferent pathways
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Veins connect with inferior thyroid, azygos and left gastric routes; lymphatic channels connect to regional nodes along the tube
- Relations
- Behind the trachea, crossing near the aortic arch and left main bronchus; behind the left atrium lower in the chest
- Function
- Transports swallowed material by coordinated peristalsis and contributes to reflux control
Clinical correlation
The esophagus lies directly behind the left atrial region, allowing ultrasound assessment of the heart from an esophageal probe. Its thoracic position also makes nearby structures relevant in esophageal disease.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the esophagus located?
From the lower pharynx near C6 through the mediastinum, then through the diaphragm to the stomach.
What does the esophagus do?
Transports swallowed material by coordinated peristalsis and contributes to reflux control.
What are the parts of the esophagus?
The parts of the esophagus are the cervical, thoracic and short abdominal portions.
What is the blood supply of the esophagus?
Inferior thyroid branches in the neck; aortic and bronchial branches in the chest; left gastric and inferior phrenic branches below.