Sarah Coyan/Emma Cressey Esophagus/Pharynx Sarah Coyan/Emma Cressey

Facts The esophagus is approximately 25cm long. Muscles contract in waves to move the food down the esophagus (peristalsis). This means that food would get to a person‘s stomach, even if they were standing on their head. http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112205/interesting_facts.htm The diameter of your esophagus is 24mm, the diameter of a quarter. The thickness of your esophageal wall is 4mm, the width of 3 pennies. http://health.usf.edu/medicine/internalmedicine/swallowing/Esophagus+Fun+Facts.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Illu01_head_neck.jpg

http://academic. kellogg http://academic.kellogg.edu/herbrandsonc/bio201_mckinley/f26-1_digestive_system_c.jpg

Layers of the Esophagus Fibrous covering. b. Divided fibers of longitudinal muscular coat. c. Transverse muscular fibers. d. Submucous or areolar layer. e. Muscularis mucosæ. f. Mucous membrane, with vessels and part of a lymphoid nodule. g. Stratified epithelial lining. h. Mucous gland. Gland duct. http://www.theodora.com/anatomy/the_esophagus.html

Diseases and Malfunctions Barrett’s Esophagus Heartburn Throat Cancer –adenocarcinoma Allergies Choking

Barrett’s Esophagus Tissue in esophagus is replaced with tissue similar to the tissue in the intestines People with GERD (gastroesophageul reflux disease) are more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus Endoscopic treatment Surgical removal if severe http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/barretts/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrett%27s_esophagus

Heartburn Sphincter between esophagus and stomach doesn’t close properly or completely Stomach acids leak into esophagus and dissolve lining If severe, called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Heartburn medication http://www.riversideonline.com/source/images/image_popup/r7_heartburn.jpg

Throat Cancer Tumors form in the esophagus Chemotherapy, surgical removal of tumors, or radiation therapy http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/healthgate/images/si1499.jpg

Allergies Immune system overreacts to a usually non-harmful substance Allergy medicine , epinephrine http://www.alk-abello.com/media/imagelibrary/Lists/ImageLibraryList/ALK_EpiPen_YW8M4845.jpg https://health.google.com/health/ref/graphic/19316

Choking Object gets lodged in the pharynx/airway, preventing breathing Heimlich manuver http://www.miami-als.org/newsletter/v1i198/images/heimlich.jpg