Dysphagia and achalasia

Question 1

how long and wide is the esophagus

Answer 1

25cm long
2cm in diameter

Question 2

what outer layer does the esophagus have

Answer 2

adventitia

Question 3

what are the 3 parts of the esophagus

Answer 3

cervical
thoracic
abdominal

Question 4

what are 3 natural constriction points of the esophagus

Answer 4

-cricopharyngeal joint
-bifurcation of trachea i.e. where left bronchus crosses it
-gastroesophageal junction

Question 5

what are the phases of swallowing

Answer 5

• oral
• pharyngeal
• esophageal

Question 6

what is dysphagia

Answer 6

difficulty eating

Question 7

what is dysphagia characterized into

Answer 7

• oropharyngeal dysphagia
• esophageal dysphagia

Question 8

what does oropharyngeal dysphagia result from

Answer 8

functional impairment in the initiation of swallowing in the oral and pharyngeal phases due to either neurologic or myopathic syndromes

Question 9

what does esophageal dysphagia result from

Answer 9

intrinsic functional and anatomic abnormalities of the esophagus resulting in difficulty swallowing