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Anatomy of the Esophagus - Coggle Diagram
Anatomy of the Esophagus
Descriptive Anatomy & Trajectory
Origin
Level
Inferior border of cricoid cartilage (C6 vertebra)
Distance
~15 cm from lower dental arch
Landmark
Esophageal inlet / Killian’s aperture
Course & Segments
Descends posterior to the trachea with a slight curve downward and to the left
4 Segments
Cervical segment
Thoracic segment
Abdominal segment
Diaphragmatic segment
Termination
Landmarks: 2 cm left of midline | 40 cm from dental arches
Joins the stomach at the cardia (T11 vertebra)
Passes through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm
Fixation Mechanisms
Extremities
Continuous with pharynx (superiorly) and stomach (inferiorly)
Cervical
Visceral sheath of the neck
Thoracic
Connective tissue thickenings in posterior mediastinum
Diaphragmatic
Esophageal hiatus
Abdominal
Meso-esophagus
Dimensions & Anatomical constrictions
Dimensions
Total Length: 25 cm (8–10 cm at birth)
Cervical: 6 cm (in visceral sheath)
Thoracic: 16–18 cm (in posterior mediastinum)
Diaphragmatic: 1 cm
Abdominal: 2–3 cm
Diameter: 2–3 cm (irregular)
The 4 Anatomical Constrictions
Cricoid Constriction (UES)
Narrowest point
Zone of weakness → Risk of diverticula & endoscopic perforation
Aortic Constriction (T4)
Common site for foreign body impaction
Bronchial Constriction
At left main bronchus
Diaphragmatic Constriction
Widest of the four constrictions