There are several factors that contribute to the sphincter function of the gastro-oesophageal junction:
Failure of this sphincter mechanism can result in GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease). Here, stomach contents can pass back up to the oesophagus. As this is acidic it irritates the lining of the oesophagus and can result in a pre-malignant condition known as Barrett’s oesophagus.
Since the oesophagus is a fore-gut structure pain is referred to the epigastrium and can often be mistake for cardiac pain.
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