Oesophagus
Oesophagus Key Points
- The oesophagus starts at the level of C6 and ends at T11
- It pierces the diaphragm at T10
- Innervation is from branches of the vagus nerve & sympathetic trunk and can result in referred chest pain
- The oesophagus has 3 constrictions
| Constriction | Vertebral level | distance from incisors |
|---|---|---|
| oesophageal inlet/cricopharynx | C6 | 14-16cm |
| Aortic arch and left main bronchus | T4-T5 | 25-27cm |
| Diaphragmatic piercing | T10 | 38-40cm |
It should be noted that some texts quote different values to those above. We have used Snell and Grey anatomy texts and a number of internet resources and listed the most commonly used values.
Image illustrating anatomy of the oesophagus
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Image illustrating relations of the oesophagus in the thorax
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