Lower esophageal sphincter
Lower Esophageal Sphincter
The Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) (/ˈloʊ.ər ˌiːsəˈfiːdʒiəl ˈsfɪŋktər/), also known as the cardiac sphincter, is a ring of smooth muscle fibers at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach. The term "Lower Esophageal Sphincter" is derived from the Latin words 'inferior' meaning 'lower', 'oesophagus' meaning 'gullet', and the Greek word 'sphinkter' meaning 'tight band'.
Function
The primary function of the LES is to prevent gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). It does this by closing off the esophagus, thus preventing stomach acid and other stomach contents from traveling back up the esophagus.
Related Terms
- Esophagus: The tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
- Stomach: The organ where digestion of food takes place.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus).
- Sphincter: A ring of muscle that contracts to close off a passage or opening in the body.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lower esophageal sphincter
- Wikipedia's article - Lower esophageal sphincter
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