Oesophagus

Question 1

where does the oesophagus begin

Answer 1

C6, continuous superiorly with the laryngopharynx

Question 2

describe the route that the oesophagus follows

Answer 2

C6, descends into superior mediastinum, between the trachea and vertebral bodies of T1 to T4
enters abdomen and terminates at cardiac orifice of the stomach

Question 3

how does the oesophagus enter the abdomen

Answer 3

via the oesophageal hiatus, which is an opening in the right crus of the diaphragm

Question 4

where does the oesophagus terminate

Answer 4

joining the cardiac orifice of the stomach at level T11

Question 5

what are the layers of the oesophagus

Answer 5

adventitia, muscle layer, submucosa, and mucosa

Question 6

what is the adventitia

Answer 6

outer layer of connective tissue

Question 7

is the entire oesophagus covered in adventitia

Answer 7

no

Question 8

which portion of the stomach is not covered with adventitia, and what is it covered with instead

Answer 8

the intraperitoneal portion, and it is covered with serosa

Question 9

what are the muscle layers of the oesophagus

Answer 9

external longitudinal and inner circular

Question 10

what is mucosa

Answer 10

non keratinised stratified squamous epithelium

Question 11

how is food transported down the oesophagus

Answer 11

peristalsis

Question 12

which muscle produces the upper oesophageal sphincter

Answer 12

cricopharyngeus muscle

Question 13

why is the upper oesophageal constricted if a person is not actively swallowing food

Answer 13

to prevent air from entering into the oesophagus

Question 14

at what angle does the lower oesophageal sphincter enter the stomach

Answer 14

acute

Question 15

why are there promient mucosal folds on the lower oesophageal sphincter

Answer 15

occlude the lumen

Question 16

how can the oesophagus be divided when considering its vasculature

Answer 16

thoracic and abdominal components

Question 17

describe the vasculature of the abdominal portion of the oesophagus

Answer 17

left gastric artery, which is a branch of the coeliac trunk.
left inferior phrenic artery.
venous drainage is mixed, as it is partly portal circulation via the left gastic vein and partly systemic circulation via the azygous vein

Question 18

what is formed at the connection of the portal and systemic venous systems

Answer 18

porto systemic anastomosis

Question 19

what does the thoracic part of the oesophagus receive its blood supply from

Answer 19

branches of the thoracic aorta and inferior thyroid artery

Question 20

describe the venous drainage of the thoracic portion of the oesophagus

Answer 20

thyroid vein and azygous veins

Question 21

describe the innervation of oesophagus

Answer 21

the oesophageal plexus

Question 22

what forms the oesophageal plexus

Answer 22

a combination of parasympathetic vagal runks and sympathetic fibres from the cervical and thoracic sympathetic trunks

Question 23

what are the different fibres that run in the vagal trunks

Answer 23

fibres supplying the lower oesophageal sphincter and smooth muscle of the lower oesophagus