General Informations
The esophagus is the first part of the digestive tract. It measures approximately 25 cm in length. It begins in the neck, just below the pharynx, on the left side. It then descends into the posterior thorax (the mediastinum), lying more to the right in its upper part, then shifting to the left. It enters the abdomen through the esophageal hiatus (an opening in the diaphragm muscle) to join the stomach.
Food is transported through the esophagus by peristalsis. This consists of muscle contractions that move downward along its length.
To prevent food from moving back upward, there are two valves called the upper and lower esophageal sphincters. They prevent the entry of air and the reflux of gastric contents.
Surgical Pathologies
There are several surgical diseases affecting the esophagus. The three most common are: cancer, achalasia, and diverticula.