Söögitoru
Söögitoru, in English the esophagus, is a muscular tube of the upper digestive tract that transports swallowed material from the pharynx to the stomach. In adults it is about 25 centimeters long and runs behind the trachea through the mediastinum, passing the diaphragm at the esophageal hiatus to join the stomach at the gastroesophageal junction.
Anatomy and histology: The esophageal lining is non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The submucosa contains mucus-secreting esophageal
Physiology: Primary peristalsis moves swallowed material downward, coordinated by the enteric nervous system. If needed, secondary
Clinical relevance: Disorders include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, hiatal hernia, strictures, and esophageal