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 ...

The esophagus is an essential part of the digestive system, serving as a conduit for food and liquids from the mouth to the ...

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 ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

It is possible to have GERD without esophagitis because the reflux acidity may be weak, suppressed by medication, or not damaging to the esophagus. If a healthcare professional suspects GERD without ...

In Zenker’s diverticulum, a pouch or “diverticulum” develops in the upper part of the esophagus, between the mouth and stomach. Food can become stuck in this pouch. This can lead to difficulty ...

No-burp syndrome, a rare condition also called abelchia, occurs when the sphincter muscle at the top of the esophagus can’t relax to let gas escape. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms including ...