Definitions for esophagus
ɪˈsɒf ə gəs, iˈsɒf-; -ˌdʒaɪ, ˌgaɪesoph·a·gus

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:3.0 / 2 votes

1. esophagus, oesophagus, gorge, gulletnoun

   the passage between the pharynx and the stomach

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Esophagus

   The esophagus (American English) or oesophagus (British English; both ), non-technically known also as the food pipe or gullet, is an organ in vertebrates through which food passes, aided by peristaltic contractions, from the pharynx to the stomach. The esophagus is a fibromuscular tube, about 25 cm (10 in) long in adults, that travels behind the trachea and heart, passes through the diaphragm, and empties into the uppermost region of the stomach. During swallowing, the epiglottis tilts backwards to prevent food from going down the larynx and lungs. The word oesophagus is from Ancient Greek οἰσοφάγος (oisophágos), from οἴσω (oísō), future form of φέρω (phérō, “I carry”) + ἔφαγον (éphagon, “I ate”). The wall of the esophagus from the lumen outwards consists of mucosa, submucosa (connective tissue), layers of muscle fibers between layers of fibrous tissue, and an outer layer of connective tissue. The mucosa is a stratified squamous epithelium of around three layers of squamous cells, which contrasts to the single layer of columnar cells of the stomach. The transition between these two types of epithelium is visible as a zig-zag line. Most of the muscle is smooth muscle although striated muscle predominates in its upper third. It has two muscular rings or sphincters in its wall, one at the top and one at the bottom. The lower sphincter helps to prevent reflux of acidic stomach content. The esophagus has a rich blood supply and venous drainage. Its smooth muscle is innervated by involuntary nerves (sympathetic nerves via the sympathetic trunk and parasympathetic nerves via the vagus nerve) and in addition voluntary nerves (lower motor neurons) which are carried in the vagus nerve to innervate its striated muscle. The esophagus passes through the thoracic cavity into the diaphragm into the stomach. The esophagus may be affected by gastric reflux, cancer, prominent dilated blood vessels called varices that can bleed heavily, tears, constrictions, and disorders of motility. Diseases may cause difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), painful swallowing (odynophagia), chest pain, or cause no symptoms at all. Clinical investigations include X-rays when swallowing barium sulfate, endoscopy, and CT scans. Surgically, the esophagus is difficult to access in part due to its position between critical organs and directly between the sternum and spinal column.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. esophagus

   The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) to the stomach, serving as a pathway for food and liquid to be swallowed and transported to the stomach for digestion. It is part of the digestive system and is typically about 8 inches long in adults.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Esophagusnoun

   that part of the alimentary canal between the pharynx and the stomach; the gullet. See Illust. of Digestive apparatus, under Digestive

2. Etymology: [NL., fr. Gr. o'isofa`gos; root of o'i`sw which is used as future of fe`rein to bear, carry (cf. Skr. v to go, drive) + fagei^n to eat.]

WikidataRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Esophagus

   The esophagus is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. During swallowing, food passes from the mouth through the pharynx into the esophagus and travels via peristalsis to the stomach. The word esophagus is derived from the Latin œsophagus, which derives from the Greek word oisophagos, lit. "entrance for eating." In humans the esophagus is continuous with the laryngeal part of the pharynx at the level of the C6 vertebra. The esophagus passes through posterior mediastinum in thorax and enters abdomen through a hole in the diaphragm at the level of the tenth thoracic vertebrae. It is usually about 25cm, but extreme variations have been recorded ranging 10–50 cm long depending on individual height. It is divided into cervical, thoracic and abdominal parts. Due to the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle, the entry to the esophagus opens only when swallowing or vomiting.

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Esophagus

   See Œsophagus.

U.S. National Library of MedicineRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Esophagus

   The muscular membranous segment between the PHARYNX and the STOMACH in the UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT.

Editors ContributionRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. esophagus

   An organ of the body.

   Food moves through the esophagus to the stomach.

   
   

   Submitted by MaryC on April 7, 2020  

How to pronounce esophagus?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say esophagus in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of esophagus in Chaldean Numerology is: 5

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of esophagus in Pythagorean Numerology is: 3

Examples of esophagus in a Sentence

1. Brian Murphy:

   It hit my jaw bone went down my throat, ripped apart my voice box and my Esophagus and uh bounced off my spine.

2. Clarence Yeo:

   This is a hazardous chemical compound, it irritates the stomach and can cause burns in the mouth and esophagus. Children would be especially sensitive to (its effects) if it is eaten in large amounts.

3. Aoi Sedarat:

   If there is acid reflux, it can get aggravated by some vitamins and natural remedies, if that continues to be a problem, it can cause a narrowing in the esophagus. Taking a large bolus of anything, especially pills, it can get obstructed there.

4. Lisa Shultis:

   You have to see where you're going with that tube down the trachea, not the esophagus. It's very difficult when you've got a mask, goggles, everything on, the patient is having exhaled breaths in your face. So that's why it's very dangerous. That's why it's imperative that we have the right( personal protective equipment) for whomever is in the room, but especially for respiratory therapists.

5. Dean Lomax:

   The parasite effectively eats chunks of the jaw bone. This extremely nasty condition causes severe damage and pain around the mouth, throat and esophagus, making simple things like eating and drinking unpleasant to nearly impossible.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=esophagus
2. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophagus
3. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
4. ^ Webster Dictionary
   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/esophagus
5. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=esophagus
6. ^ Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
   https://www.gutenberg.org/files/37683/37683-h/37683-h.htm#:~:text=esophagus