Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Esophagus

Esophagus

The esophagus, a muscular conduit linking the pharynx and stomach, measures roughly 10 inches (25.4 cm) and sits behind the trachea. It remains collapsed when not swallowing. The esophagus follows a predominantly straight path through the thoracic mediastinum and enters the abdominal cavity through a diaphragmatic opening known as the esophageal hiatus.
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction

Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the esophageal mucosa is significantly damaged by stomach acid or other digestive fluids, often due to long-term exposure associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to flow persistently into the esophagus.
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more similar...

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
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 Achalasia

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Desmoglein-1 regulates esophageal epithelial barrier function and immune responses in eosinophilic esophagitis.

Mucosal immunology·2013

Same author

Markers of tyrosine kinase activity in eosinophilic esophagitis: a pilot study of the FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion gene, pERK 1/2, and pSTAT5.

Diseases of the esophagus : official journal of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus·2011

Same author

Review article: reflux and its consequences--the laryngeal, pulmonary and oesophageal manifestations. Conference held in conjunction with the 9th International Symposium on Human Pepsin (ISHP) Kingston-upon-Hull, UK, 21-23 April 2010.

Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics·2011

Same author

Mechanisms of increased esophageal sensitivity.

Postgraduate medicine·2009

Same author

Physicochemical basis for dilated intercellular spaces in non-erosive acid-damaged rabbit esophageal epithelium.

Diseases of the esophagus : official journal of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus·2008

Same author

Nonerosive reflux disease.

Minerva gastroenterologica e dietologica·2007

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Production, Characterization and Potential Uses of a 3D Tissue-engineered Human Esophageal Mucosal Model

Production, Characterization and Potential Uses of a 3D Tissue-engineered Human Esophageal Mucosal Model

Published on: May 18, 2015

Esophageal epithelial resistance.

Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology

|January 1, 1986

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Esophageal tissue resistance protects against acid reflux injury. This defense involves multiple components working together to maintain esophageal health and prevent damage.

More Related Videos

Conditional Reprogramming of Pediatric Human Esophageal Epithelial Cells for Use in Tissue Engineering and Disease Investigation

Conditional Reprogramming of Pediatric Human Esophageal Epithelial Cells for Use in Tissue Engineering and Disease Investigation

Published on: March 22, 2017

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Published on: May 10, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Production, Characterization and Potential Uses of a 3D Tissue-engineered Human Esophageal Mucosal Model

Production, Characterization and Potential Uses of a 3D Tissue-engineered Human Esophageal Mucosal Model

Published on: May 18, 2015

Conditional Reprogramming of Pediatric Human Esophageal Epithelial Cells for Use in Tissue Engineering and Disease Investigation

Conditional Reprogramming of Pediatric Human Esophageal Epithelial Cells for Use in Tissue Engineering and Disease Investigation

Published on: March 22, 2017

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Published on: May 10, 2024

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Physiology
Cell Biology

Background:

Esophageal defense mechanisms are crucial for preventing acid-peptic injury from reflux.
The esophageal epithelium exhibits remarkable resistance to injury, even under prolonged low pH conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate the multifaceted nature of esophageal tissue resistance.
To explore the components contributing to esophageal protection against reflux.

Main Methods:

Literature review and synthesis of existing research on esophageal defense mechanisms.
Analysis of the interplay between mucus, unstirred water layer, epithelium, and blood supply.

Main Results:

Esophageal tissue resistance is not a singular factor but a complex system of interacting components.
Key elements include mucus, the unstirred water layer, the epithelium, and its vascular supply.

Conclusions:

Understanding esophageal epithelium defenses offers insights into reflux esophagitis pathophysiology.
Further research into these mechanisms may reveal alternative therapeutic strategies for reflux esophagitis.