esophag-, esophago-

The stricture or a general abnormal narrowing of the esophagus.

1. The external opening of an artificial opening leading into the esophagus.
2. The external opening of a surgically created communication between the skin and the esophagus.

Surgical formation of an opening directly into the esophagus from an external direction.

A cutting (surgical) instrument for use in esophagotomy.

An incision through the wall of the esophagus.

Communicating with both the trachea and esophagus.

A reference to communicating, or connecting, with both the trachea and esophagus.

1. The passage down which food moves between the throat and the stomach.
2. In medicine, the musculomembranous passage extending from the pharynx to the stomach.

It is about 25-cm long and consists of three parts:

1. The cervical part, from the cricoid cartilage to the thoracic inlet.
2. The thoracic part, from the thoracic inlet to the diaphragm.
3. The abdominal part, below the diaphragm to the cardiac opening of the stomach.

3. Etymology: from Greek oisophagos; from oiso-, "to bring, to carry" + phagos, "eat".

Flow of the stomach's contents back up into the esophagus.

This happens when the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) is weak or relaxes when it shouldn't which may cause esophagitis.

Also called esophageal reflux or reflux esophagitis.

Failure of the esophagogastric sphincter to relax with swallowing, as a result of the degeneration of the ganglion cells in the wall of the organ.

The thoracic esophagus also loses its normal peristaltic activity and becomes dilated. Also called, cardiospasm.

Specifically, failure of the esophagogastric sphincter to relax when swallowing, because of the degeneration of ganglion cells in the wall of the organ.

Surrounding the esophagus.

1. A condition characterized by changes in the motor function of the alimentary canal as a result of degenerative alterations occurring with advancing age: The elderly Mrs. Park had to eat slowly because she suffered from presbyesophagus and had to chew her food carefully and thoroughly.
2. A disorder in the elderly characterized by altered spontaneous movement of the alimentary tract: Mr. Hathaway, affected with presbyesophagus, had to eat very slowly because swallowing his food was very difficult for him.