Related Experiment Videos
Upper esophageal sphincter: pre and post-laryngectomy--a normative study
The Laryngoscope
|March 1, 1980
Summary
The pharyngoesophageal junction has two high-pressure zones: an annular sphincter and a pinchcock sphincter. After laryngectomy, it becomes a single annular sphincter, impacting upper esophageal sphincter function.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
- Anatomy
Background:
- The pharyngoesophageal junction's high-pressure zone is crucial for swallowing.
- Its precise anatomical and functional components remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the structure and function of the pharyngoesophageal high-pressure zone.
- To investigate changes in this zone following laryngectomy.
Main Methods:
- Correlative analysis of anatomical, surgical, manometric, and radiographic data.
- Comparative assessment of the pharyngoesophageal junction in normal subjects and post-laryngectomy patients.
Main Results:
- The normal high-pressure zone comprises an upper pinchcock sphincter (cricoid cartilage and cricopharyngeus muscle) and a lower annular muscular sphincter.
- Post-laryngectomy, the sphincter transforms into a purely annular constrictor, likely involving cricopharyngeus and upper esophageal circular muscles.
Conclusions:
- The pharyngoesophageal high-pressure zone has distinct upper pinchcock and lower annular components.
- Laryngectomy alters sphincter dynamics, creating a unified annular structure whose functional contributions require further investigation.