Another name for the esophageal sphincter is the gastroesophageal sphincter or the cardiac sphincter.
This sphincter, located at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach, plays a crucial role in preventing stomach contents from refluxing back into the esophagus. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Location: The lower end of the esophagus, where it connects to the stomach.
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Function: This sphincter is a ring of muscle that normally remains constricted. Its primary function is to maintain a barrier between the stomach and esophagus. This prevents stomach acid and food from flowing back up into the esophagus, which can cause heartburn and other issues.
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Alternative Names:
- Gastroesophageal sphincter: This name directly reflects its location and function – connecting the esophagus (gastro-) to the stomach.
- Cardiac sphincter: This name refers to the proximity of this part of the stomach to the heart. However, it's somewhat of a misnomer, as the sphincter itself is not part of the heart.
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Normal Operation: The sphincter normally maintains a higher pressure (around 30 mmHg) compared to the rest of the esophagus, keeping it closed. It relaxes when swallowing to allow food to pass into the stomach.
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Clinical Significance: Dysfunction of this sphincter can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), characterized by frequent heartburn, regurgitation, and potential damage to the esophageal lining.
