cricopharyngeusmusklen

The cricopharyngeus muscle, also known as the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), is a band of skeletal muscle located at the top of the esophagus. It plays a crucial role in swallowing and preventing the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. During swallowing, the cricopharyngeus muscle relaxes to allow food or liquid to pass from the pharynx into the esophagus. It then contracts to close off the esophagus, preventing air from entering the digestive tract and preventing regurgitation of food from the stomach.

The cricopharyngeus muscle is innervated by the vagus nerve. Its proper functioning is essential for efficient and safe swallowing. Problems with the cricopharyngeus muscle can lead to various swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia. These can include a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat, coughing or choking during meals, or the feeling of a lump in the throat.

Dysfunction of the cricopharyngeus muscle can arise from several causes, including neurological conditions such as stroke or Parkinson's disease, muscular disorders, or aging. In some cases, the muscle may become overly tight (spasticity), making it difficult to open for swallowing. In other instances, it may not close properly, leading to aspiration of food or liquid into the airways. Treatment for cricopharyngeus dysfunction depends on the underlying cause and may involve strategies to improve swallowing function, medication, or in some cases, surgical intervention.