Anatomy of the Esophagus and Intercostal Muscles

Vocabulary flashcards based on the anatomy of the esophagus and surrounding muscles.

Esophagus

A tube that connects the throat to the stomach, allowing for the passage of food.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body, responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Hernia

A condition in which part of an organ protrudes through a weak spot in the body's muscle or tissue.

External intercostals

Muscles located just under the skin that aid in inhalation by elevating the ribs.

Internal intercostals

Muscles found beneath the external intercostals that help with exhalation by depressing the ribs.

Contralateral

Referring to the opposite side of the body.

Eponeurosis

A flat sheet of connective tissue that attaches muscles to the parts they move.

Transversus abdominis

The deepest abdominal muscle layer that runs horizontally across the abdomen.

Oblique muscles

Muscles that are oriented diagonally, such as the external and internal abdominal obliques.

Intermediate layer

Refers to the internal abdominal oblique muscle layer that lies between the external abdominal oblique and the transversus abdominis.