Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery
Published on: November 28, 2018
Effect of ageing on the upper and lower oesophageal sphincters
1Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Objective:
To determine the effect of ageing on length and resting pressure of the upper and lower oesophageal sphincters (UOSs, LOSs).
Background:
The effectiveness of upper and lower oesophageal sphincters (UOSs and LOSs, respectively) in the control of retrograde trans-sphincteric flow is influenced by sphincteric pressure and length.
Methods:
Nine young and nine elderly healthy volunteers were studied. Resting UOS and LOS pressures were measured by sleeve devices and lengths were measured by the station pull-through technique.
Results:
The length of the UOS high pressure zone in the elderly (2.1 +/- 0.7 cm posterior; 1.9 +/- 0.1 cm anterior) was significantly shorter than that of the young (2.9 +/- 0.1 cm posterior; 3.1 +/- 0.2 cm anterior) (P< 0.01). Resting UOS pressure in the elderly (42 +/- 5 mmHg) was significantly lower than that of the young (62 +/- 7 mmHg) (P< 0.05). The intersphincteric length of the oesophagus in the elderly (21 +/- 0.2 cm) was similar to that of the young (21 +/- 0.4 cm). Total length of the LOS high pressure zone in the young (4.0 +/- 0.1 cm) was similar to that of the elderly (4.1 +/- 0.1 cm). LOS resting pressure was similar between young and elderly subjects (17 +/- 5 mmHg and 15 +/- 3 mmHg, respectively).
Conclusions:
Ageing affects the UOS and LOS differently. With regard to resting pressure and length, ageing weakens the UOS, but has no significant effect on the LOS.
Related Concept Videos
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Esophagus
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Esophageal Achalasia
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

