Describe the structure and function of the esophageal sphincters. What occurs if the lower sphincter fails?

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: A ring of smooth muscle around the esophagus forms each sphincter. Contraction of the muscles closes the sphincter; relaxation opens it. Opening and closing of these sphincters is tightly controlled by the nervous system, and integrated with the swallowing and vomiting reflexes. Failure of the lower esophageal sphincter results in heartburn, as acid from the stomach is pushed up into the esophagus.

Anatomy & Physiology

You might also like to view...

Which foot movement enables the ballerina to stand on her toes?

A) dorsiflexion B) plantar flexion C) inversion D) rotation E) eversion

Anatomy & Physiology

The neural "wiring" of a single reflex is called a(n)

A) reflex arc. B) ramus. C) ganglion. D) tract. E) circuit.

Anatomy & Physiology

The specialized cells that produce the pigment melanin are called ________

A) keratinocytes B) melanocytes C) lymphocytes D) stem cells

Anatomy & Physiology

Cells that lack insulin receptors cannot use glucose as an energy source.

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Anatomy & Physiology