Oesophagus in Human Digestive System

Alimentary canal or the digestive system includes the entire mechanism that starts with ingestion of food to its movement till the stomach. It concludes with digestion of food particles. 

The digestive system includes mouth, food pipe, stomach, small intestine, large intestine etc. 

Let us move on to the discussion about what is a food pipe or oesophagus. 

What is Oesophagus?

The oesophagus or food pipe is an organ in the human digestive system that transfers food particles to the stomach for its ingestion. 

It is located ahead of the spinal column and right at the back of the trachea and heart. 

The length of the food pipe is about 25 cm with a width varying between 1.5 to 2 cm.  

Parts of Food Pipe 

When you are planning to prepare a short note on oesophagus, do not forget to focus on its different layers. Read on to know more about it. 

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There are four layers in oesophagus –

1. Mucosa

The mucosa is the innermost layer containing multiple mucous glands. It is entirely made up of stratified squamous epithelium.

2. Submucosa

The submucosa is the upper sheath of the mucosa and connects the latter with muscularis. It is mostly a thick fibrous layer. The submucosa is responsible for secretion.

3. Muscularis 

The longitudinal muscular fold arising out of mucosa and submucosa is known as muscularis. It pushes down food towards the stomach through muscle movement. 

4. Tunica Adventitia

Tunica adventitia is the outer layer of oesophagus that attaches food pipe with surrounding organs. 

Function of Food Pipe 

The functions served by food pipe is important to the understanding of what is oesophagus. 

• It acts as the connection within the digestive system, passing through the thoracic cavity.

• Oesophagus passes food through the thoracic cavity with the help of muscular contractions.

• It helps in the separation of the ingested food into small particles, which is known as bolus.

• Food pipe also performs a critical function of restricting food entry into the windpipe. It prevents such entry with the help of epiglottis movement.

• It also ensures swift passage of food by way of rhythmic relaxations and contractions of the oesophageal muscles.

Do you Know?

Peristalsis is the movement of muscles to push down ingested food towards the stomach. Even when you are considering what is the meaning of oesophagus, it might be interesting to note that Peristalsis would also take place if someone is standing on their head! Moreover, the urge to defecate is also the result of Peristalsis function. 

Problems in Food Pipe in Human Body 

Oesophagus is vulnerable to a host of diseases –

• Achalasia 

Loss of relaxation and contraction of muscles to move food particles. 

• Oesophageal cancer

Cancer is of two types – adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

• Barrett’s oesophagus

Ulceration or inflammation due to acid washback from the stomach.

Few effective ways of maintaining good oesophageal health include –

• Eating small meals at fixed intervals 

• Avoiding carbonated drinks and fatty food intake 

• Greater intake of fruits and vegetables

• Refraining or quitting smoking 

Test Yourself 

i. Oesophagus provides a connection between -

(a) Throat and stomach 

(b) Mouth and throat 

(c) Stomach and large intestine 

(d) Mouth and stomach 

ii. Oesophagus is located _________ to trachea 

(a) Posterior 

(b) Lateral 

(c) Anterior 

(d) Dorsal 

To check your answer, see the solution mentioned at the end of the article

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The oesophagus (oesophagus, food pipe, or gullet) is a long, hollow organ that transports food from the mouth to the digestive system.

Normally, the oesophagus connects the mouth to the digestive tract. The oesophagus (gullet) is part of the digestive system, which is sometimes called the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). 

The oesophagus’s walls squeeze together as you swallow food (contract).

Behind the windpipe (trachea) is the upper section of the oesophagus. The windpipe connects your mouth and nose to your lungs.

The diaphragm is a muscle layer that lies beneath our lungs. It aids in breathing. The majority of your oesophagus is located above the diaphragm in the chest.

Below the diaphragm is the bottom of the oesophagus. The gastro-oesophageal junction is the point where the oesophagus meets the stomach.

Layers of Oesophagus 

The oesophagus has four layers:

• The inner layer is the mucosa. It is moist to help food pass into the stomach.

• Mucus-producing glands are found in the submucosa. The oesophagus is kept moist as a result of this.

• The muscularis is the layer of muscle. It causes food to be pushed down into the stomach.

• The adventitia is the outermost layer. It connects the oesophagus to the nearby parts of the body.

Function of Oesophagus

The purpose of the oesophagus is to transport food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Instead of gravity, periodic contractions (peristalsis) are used to do this. 

These contractions are reversed during vomiting, allowing the stomach contents to be returned to the mouth and spit out.

Below are the functions performed by the oesophagus:

• Food and liquids are transported from the pharynx to the stomach.

• Prevent passive absorption of chemicals from food into the bloodstream.

• Prevent gastric contents from refluxing.

• The oesophagus acts as the next point of contact for food entering the gastrointestinal tract after the buccal cavity.

• Control the movement of the epiglottis for preventing food from entering the windpipe.

• Oesophageal radial contractions help push food down.

• Food moves quickly towards the gastro-oesophageal junction due to rhythmic oesophageal contractions and relaxations.

Care must be taken with the oesophagus or food pipe's health, as neglect can result in severe food pipe problems. 

Oesophageal Problems and Disorders

GERD is the most frequent kind. Heartburn and swallowing issues are caused by disorders like gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), achalasia, and Barrett's oesophagus, which raise the risk of oesophageal cancer.

Medications, as well as food and lifestyle adjustments, may be beneficial.

Types of Oesophageal Disorders

Types of oesophageal disorders are described below:

• GERD: When the lower oesophageal sphincter fails to seal properly, the most frequent oesophageal disorder arises. Stomach acid and contents flow backwards into the oesophagus as a result.

• Achalasia: Food cannot enter the stomach because the lower oesophageal sphincter does not open or relax. Achalasia is believed to be an autoimmune condition, although the cause is unknown. 

• Barrett’s Esophagus: The lining of the bottom part of the oesophagus begins to resemble the stomach lining, and the cells begin to resemble intestinal cells in those who have persistent, untreated acid reflux. This disease has been linked to an increased risk of oesophageal cancer.

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: In the oesophagus, white blood cells called eosinophils become overabundant. Allergy sufferers are more prone to this sickness.

• Oesophageal Cancer: Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are the two kinds of oesophageal cancer. Squamous is increased by smoking, radiation, and HPV infection, and adenocarcinoma is increased by smoking and acid reflux.

• Oesophageal Diverticulum: An outpouching occurs when the oesophagus has a weak area. Achalasia patients are more likely to have diverticula.

• Oesophageal Spasms: Sometimes, in the oesophagus, abnormal muscle spasms (contractions) develop. Due to this uncommon and unpleasant condition, food cannot reach the stomach.

• Oesophageal Strictures: The oesophagus narrows too much. Foods and liquids pass through the intestines and into the stomach at a slow pace.

• Hiatal Hernias: The upper section of the stomach resides in the chest, protruding above a diaphragm opening. As a result of this illness, acid reflux becomes worse.