2 Neck and Esophagus

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering essential anatomical terms and conditions related to the neck and esophagus.

Esophagus

A muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) with the stomach.

Trachea

The windpipe; a tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi.

Pharynx

The part of the throat that is behind the mouth and nasal cavity.

Sphenoid sinus

A cavity located behind the nose and between the eyes.

Parotid gland

The largest of the salivary glands located near the jaw.

Sublingual gland

A salivary gland located underneath the tongue.

Submandibular gland

A salivary gland located beneath the mandible (jawbone).

Vocal cords

Folded tissues in the larynx that produce sound when they vibrate.

Thyroid cartilage

The cartilage that forms the front of the larynx; also known as the Adam's apple.

Epiglottis

A flap of tissue that covers the windpipe during swallowing to prevent food from entering.

Larynx

The voice box, located in the neck; it houses the vocal cords.

Diaphragm

A muscular structure that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays a key role in breathing.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores bile produced by the liver.

Pancreas

An organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, such as insulin.

Duodenum

The first section of the small intestine.

Small intestine

The part of the digestive system where most of the digestion and absorption of food occurs.

Stomach

A muscular organ that mixes and digests food.

Appendix

A small, tube-like structure attached to the large intestine.

Liver

A vital organ that processes nutrients, filters blood, and produces bile.

Rectum

The final section of the large intestine.

Anus

The opening at the end of the digestive tract.

Hernia

A condition where an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place.

What regulates the voluntary swallowing action?

Medulla oblongata through CNS.

How is aspiration of the tracheas opening during bolus passage prevented?

Epiglottis covers it

What’s in charge of opening to let the bolus into the stomach?

LES - Lower Esophageal Sphincter. Prevents gastric reflux.

What are the three anatomical layers in the esophagus?

Mucosa- stratified squamous epithelium

Submucosa- connective tissue is it vessels and nerves

Smooth Muscle- inner circular, outer longitudinal

Upper Esophageal Sphincter - UES

Anatomical cricopharyngeal muscle

Prevents air entering digestive tract and controls entry of food into esophagus.

Lower Esophageal Sphincter - LES

Area of increased pressure at junction of esophagus and stomach.

Which artery supplies the Cervix with blood?

Inferior thyroid artery.

Which artery supplies the Thorax with blood?

Aorta, bronchial, intercostal arteries

Which artery supplies the abdomen with blood?

All upper arteries, plus gastric arteries.

Which lymph nodes drain the upper area?

Cervical Lymph nodes.

Which lymph nodes drain the thoracic area?

Tracheal and mediastinal nodes

Which lymph nodes drain the abdomen area?

Celiac region nodes

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease; a chronic digestive condition.

Chemical burns

Damage to body tissue caused by contact with caustic substances.

Intentional ingestion

Deliberately consuming harmful substances.

Unintentional ingestion

Accidentally consuming harmful substances.

Chronic dysphagia

Persistent difficulty swallowing.

Strangulated hernia

A hernia that becomes swollen and restricted, potentially cutting off blood supply.

Eosinophilic esophagitis

An allergic inflammatory condition of the esophagus.