Upper esophageal sphincter

What does "Upper esophageal sphincter" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.

Explanation

The upper esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle at the top of the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This muscle ring acts like a door, opening to let food and drink enter the esophagus from the throat, and then closing to prevent food, drink, and stomach acids from moving back up into the throat. It plays a crucial role in the process of swallowing and digestion.

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