title: [Physiology of the upper esophageal sphincter].
abstract: The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) forms a barrier between the pharynx and the esophagus. When opened, the UES allows the food bolus to pass into the esophagus, as well as permitting emesis and eructation. The basal sphincter tone constitutes a barrier function which serves to prevent reflux and passive aerophagia in the case of deep breathing. Basal sphincter tone is dependent on several influencing factors; during swallowing, sphincter opening and closure follow a complex multiphase pattern. This article presents an overview of the current understanding of UES physiology.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland, jungheim.michael@mh-hannover.de.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jungheim
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kühn
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schwemmle
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ochs
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ptok
mesh_terms: D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D049630:Esophageal Sphincter, Lower / Q000502:physiology*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000502:physiology*