Word parts
What it means
A tube about 25 cm (10 inches) long that runs behind the windpipe (tracheaTRAY-kee-uhThe windpipe: the tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs.Full entry ) and through the chest. Waves of muscle movement push swallowed food down, and a ring of muscle at the bottom, the lower esophageal sphincter, opens to let food into the stomach and closes to keep stomach acid out. When acid comes back up, it causes heartburn, as in gastroesophageal reflux diseasegas-troh-ih-sof-uh-JEE-ul REE-fluks dih-ZEEZA long-term condition in which stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus.gastr/o stomachesophag/o esophagus-al relating toFull entry .
For the nurse
Clients with swallowing problems (dysphagiadis-FAY-jee-uhDifficulty swallowing.dys- difficultphag/o eat, swallow-ia conditionFull entry ) are at risk of choking and aspirationas-puh-RAY-shunBreathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.Full entry . A nasogastric tubenay-zoh-GAS-trik toobA thin, flexible tube passed through the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach.nas/o nosegastr/o stomach-ic having to do withFull entry passes through the esophagus, so check placement before using it.
At a glance
| Everyday words | food pipe, gullet |
|---|---|
| Spanish | esófago |
| Also written | oesophagus, esophageal, esophagi |
Related terms
gastroesophageal reflux disease
A long-term condition in which stomach contents, including acid, flow back up into the esophagus.
dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing.
trachea
The windpipe: the tube that carries air from the throat to the lungs.
gastr/o
A word part that means stomach.