This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages without signing in

Mechanisms of the oesophgeal-gastric valve

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The following factors are thought to be important in maintaining a competent gastro-oesophageal valve:

  • the angulation of the insertion of the oesophagus into the stomach:
    • pressure within the stomach is transmitted to the fundus
    • the fundus may then press on the terminal oesophagus preventing reflux

  • there is increased tone in the circular muscle of the oesophagus just before it enters the stomach:
    • this may function as a sphincter

  • the right crus of the diaphragm contracts during severe stress, e.g. sneezing, and closes the oesophagus

  • the length of intra-abdominal oesophagus:
    • the higher pressure in the abdomen as compared to the thorax may keep the oesophagus closed

  • the thick folds of mucosa at the cardia of the stomach may act as a "cork in a bottle"

Hiatus herniation results in loss of the:

  • gastro-oesophageal angulation
  • intra-abdominal oesophagus

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.