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lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
Function:
- tonic contraction of the LES contributes to prevention of gastroesophageal reflux
Pathology:
- the crural portion of the diaphragm contributes to the LES pressure
- thus a hiatal hernia weakens the LES & may predispose to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- relaxation of the LES allows food to pass with swallowing.
- transient relaxation of the LES (not associated with swallowing) is the most common cause of GERD.
Related
diaphragm muscle
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
hiatal hernia
swallowing (deglutition)
General
gastrointestinal structure
sphincter
References
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, 16.
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998, 2012
- Chait M, Clinical Geriatrics 12(4): 39, 2004
- Prescriber's Letter 15(11): 2008
Hormone Therapy and the Risk for GERD
Detail-Document#: 241105
(subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com
- Jacobson BC et al.
Postmenopausal hormone use and symptoms of gastroesophageal
reflux.
Arch Intern Med 2008 Sep 8; 168:1798.
PMID: 18779468