The esophagus (American English) or oesophagus (British English; both / iː ˈ s ɒ f ə ɡ ə s, ɪ-/), non-technically known also as the food pipe or gullet, is an organ in vertebrates through which food passes, aided by peristaltic contractions, from the pharynx to the stomach.The esophagus is a fibromuscular tube, about 25 cm (10 in) long in adults, that travels behind the trachea and ...

A Schatzki ring or Schatzki–Gary ring is a narrowing of the lower esophagus that can cause difficulty swallowing ().The narrowing is caused by a ring of mucosal tissue (which lines the esophagus) or muscular tissue. A Schatzki ring is a specific type of "esophageal ring", and Schatzki rings are further subdivided into those above the esophagus/stomach junction (A …

Esophageal achalasia, often referred to simply as achalasia, is a failure of smooth muscle fibers to relax, which can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to remain closed. Without a modifier, "achalasia" usually refers to achalasia of the esophagus.Achalasia can happen at various points along the gastrointestinal tract; achalasia of the rectum, for instance, may occur in …

The gastrointestinal tract (GI tract, digestive tract, alimentary canal) is the tract or passageway of the digestive system that leads from the mouth to the anus.The GI tract contains all the major organs of the digestive system, in humans and other animals, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.Food taken in through the mouth is digested to extract nutrients and absorb …

Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), also known as distal esophageal spasm, is a condition characterized by uncoordinated contractions of the esophagus, which may cause difficulty swallowing or regurgitation.In some cases, it may cause symptoms such as chest pain, similar to heart disease.In many cases, the cause of DES remains unknown. Certain abnormalities on x …

Esophageal atresia is a congenital medical condition (birth defect) that affects the alimentary tract.It causes the esophagus to end in a blind-ended pouch rather than connecting normally to the stomach.It comprises a variety of congenital anatomic defects that are caused by an abnormal embryological development of the esophagus.

Hematemesis is the vomiting of blood.It is always an important sign. It can be confused with hemoptysis (coughing up blood) or epistaxis (nosebleed), which are more common. The source is generally the upper gastrointestinal tract, typically above the suspensory muscle of duodenum.It may be caused by ulcers, tumors of the stomach or esophagus, varices, prolonged and …

Tracheoesophageal fistula is suggested in a newborn by copious salivation associated with choking, coughing, vomiting, and cyanosis coincident with the onset of feeding. Esophageal atresia and the subsequent inability to swallow typically cause polyhydramnios in utero. Rarely it may present in an adult.. Complications. Surgical repair can sometimes result in …

Megaesophagus, also known as esophageal dilatation, is a disorder of the esophagus in humans and other mammals, whereby the esophagus becomes abnormally enlarged.Megaesophagus may be caused by any disease which causes the muscles of the esophagus to fail to properly propel food and liquid from the mouth into the stomach (that is, a …

An upper gastrointestinal series, also called a barium swallow, barium study, or barium meal, is a series of radiographs used to examine the gastrointestinal tract for abnormalities. A contrast medium, usually a radiocontrast agent such as barium sulfate mixed with water, is ingested or instilled into the gastrointestinal tract, and X-rays are used to create radiographs of the regions …