Anatomy and physiology of the esophageal body.

The primary role of the esophagus is to propel swallowed food or fluid into the stomach and to prevent or clear gastroesophageal reflux. This function is achieved by an organized pattern that involves a sensory pathway, neural reflexes, and a motor response that includes esophageal tone, peristalsis, and shortening. The motor function of the esophagus is controlled by highly complex voluntary and involuntary mechanisms. There are three different functional areas in the esophagus: the upper esophageal sphincter, the esophageal body, and the LES. This article focused on anatomy and physiology of the esophageal body.