The esophageal sphincters are bands of muscles at the top and bottom of the esophagus — the muscular tube that passes food and drink from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal sphincters open and close ...

Presbyphagia refers to age-related changes in the oropharyngeal and esophageal swallowing of healthy adults. Sarcopenia is age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, organization, and strength. Good ...

Disorders like esophageal cancer and gastroesophageal reflux disease are difficult to treat without properly understanding the esophagus’s mechanical properties. The findings establish a baseline for ...

The esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition where the tissue in your lower esophagus becomes damaged. It starts to resemble the tissue in ...

The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) closure muscles include the cervical esophagus, cricopharyngeus, and inferior pharyngeal constrictor, but primarily the cricopharyngeus. The main functions of UES ...

Panel A shows the microscopic myoarchitecture of the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the lower esophageal sphincter and stomach. The circular muscle fibers of the esophagus cross each other ...

U.S. surgeons made the first successful esophageal reconstruction surgery through the use of FDA-approved skin tissue and stents. It took 11 years to make the full process of treatment and recovery, ...

Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD Difficulty swallowing is the main symptom of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE ...

People with chronic heartburn may have gastroesophageal reflux disease. This can develop into a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Barrett’s esophagus ...

Eating certain foods, including those containing fiber, while avoiding sugary foods and those that cause heartburn may help prevent Barett’s esophagus from getting worse. Barrett’s esophagus is a ...