Speiseröhrenschließmuskel

The Speiseröhrenschließmuskel, also known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), is a ring of muscle located at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach. Its primary function is to prevent the contents of the stomach from refluxing back into the esophagus. This sphincter is normally in a contracted state, creating a barrier that opens only when swallowing to allow food to pass into the stomach.

When functioning correctly, the LES maintains a tight seal, preventing the acidic contents of the stomach from irritating the esophageal lining. This mechanism is crucial for digestion and prevents symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.

Dysfunction of the LES can lead to various gastrointestinal issues. If the LES is too relaxed or weak, it can allow stomach acid to enter the esophagus, causing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Conversely, if the LES becomes too tight or spastic, it can lead to dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, as food may struggle to pass from the esophagus into the stomach.

Several factors can affect the LES, including certain foods and beverages, medications, and physiological conditions like pregnancy. Maintaining a healthy LES is important for overall digestive health.