Heartburn pathophysiology: Difference between revisions
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== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
The sensation of heartburn is caused by exposure of the lower esophagus to the [[acid]]ic contents of the stomach. Normally, the lower esophageal [[cardia|sphincter]] (LES) separating the stomach from the esophagus is supposed to contract to prevent this situation. If the sphincter relaxes for any reason (as normally occurs during swallowing), stomach contents, mixed with [[gastric acid]], can return into the esophagus. This return is also known as ''reflux'', and may progress to [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]](GERD) if it occurs frequently. [[Peristalsis]], the rhythmic wave of muscular contraction in the esophagus, normally moves food down and past the LES and is responsible for ultimately clearing refluxed stomach contents. In addition, gastric acid can be neutralized by [[buffer solution|buffer]]s present in [[saliva]]. | The sensation of heartburn is caused by exposure of the lower esophagus to the [[acid]]ic contents of the stomach. Normally, the lower esophageal [[cardia|sphincter]] (LES) separating the stomach from the esophagus is supposed to contract to prevent this situation. If the sphincter relaxes for any reason (as normally occurs during swallowing), stomach contents, mixed with [[gastric acid]], can return into the esophagus. This return is also known as ''reflux'', and may progress to [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD) if it occurs frequently. [[Peristalsis]], the rhythmic wave of muscular contraction in the esophagus, normally moves food down and past the LES and is responsible for ultimately clearing refluxed stomach contents. In addition, gastric acid can be neutralized by [[buffer solution|buffer]]s present in [[saliva]]. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|2}} | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
Revision as of 15:32, 16 April 2013
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Heartburn Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Heartburn pathophysiology On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Heartburn pathophysiology |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Heartburn pathophysiology |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Pathophysiology
The sensation of heartburn is caused by exposure of the lower esophagus to the acidic contents of the stomach. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) separating the stomach from the esophagus is supposed to contract to prevent this situation. If the sphincter relaxes for any reason (as normally occurs during swallowing), stomach contents, mixed with gastric acid, can return into the esophagus. This return is also known as reflux, and may progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) if it occurs frequently. Peristalsis, the rhythmic wave of muscular contraction in the esophagus, normally moves food down and past the LES and is responsible for ultimately clearing refluxed stomach contents. In addition, gastric acid can be neutralized by buffers present in saliva.