Angle of His

Angle of His

The Angle of His is a physiological anatomical term referring to the acute angle that the esophagus forms with the cardia (the opening of the stomach into the esophagus) in humans. This angle is named after the German anatomist, Wilhelm His Sr., who first described it in 1868.

Anatomy

The Angle of His is formed by the gastroesophageal junction, where the esophagus and stomach meet. This angle is typically around 45 degrees in a healthy individual, but can vary depending on factors such as body position and fullness of the stomach. The Angle of His plays a crucial role in preventing gastroesophageal reflux, as it acts as a valve to prevent the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus.

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Anatomy of the esophagus, showing the Angle of His at the gastroesophageal junction.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the Angle of His can lead to medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, and achalasia. In GERD, a decreased angle can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to weaken, leading to acid reflux. In a hiatal hernia, part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, potentially altering the Angle of His. Achalasia is a rare disorder that can cause the angle to tighten, leading to difficulty swallowing.

See also

• Lower esophageal sphincter
• Upper gastrointestinal series

References

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