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esophagus |
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esophagus (ĭsŏf`əgəs), portion of the digestive tube that conducts food from the mouth to the stomach. When food is swallowed it passes from the pharynx pharynx (fâr`ĭngks), area of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts which lies between the mouth and the esophagus. ..... Click the link for more information. into the esophagus, initiating rhythmic contractions (peristalsis) of the esophageal wall, which propel the food along toward the stomach. The walls of the esophagus are lined with mucous glands that continue the lubrication of the food as it is conducted to the stomach. The human esophagus is about 10 in. (25 cm) long and 1 in. (2.5 cm) in diameter. See digestive system digestive system, in the animal kingdom, a group of organs functioning in digestion and assimilation of food and elimination of wastes. Virtually all animals have a digestive system. ..... Click the link for more information. . esophagusMuscular tube that conveys food by peristalsis from the pharynx to the stomach. Both ends are closed off by sphincters (muscular constrictions), which relax to let food through and close to keep it from backing up. Disorders include ulceration and bleeding, heartburn from stomach acid, achalasia (failure of one or both sphincters to open), and muscle spasms. Scleroderma may involve the esophagus. |
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| In adults most patients have underlying esophageal disorder or from undiagnosed illness. Although the study is small, the results appear significant, Levine says, noting that this esophageal disorder is rare in the general pediatric population. ZEGERID Powder for Oral Suspension was reviewed by Donald Castell, MD, Professor of Medicine and Director, Esophageal Disorders Program at the Medical University of South Carolina, past president of the American Gastroenterological Association and a member of the Santarus Medical Advisory Board. |
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Esophageal disorder
