MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Gastroesophageal reflux

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Gastroesophageal reflux - series: Normal anatomy

Gastroesophageal reflux - series
Illustrations:

Normal anatomy

The esophagus is a narrow, muscular tube that leads from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach. A sphincter at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach prevents reflux of food and acid from the stomach into the esophagus.

Update Date: 7/28/2006

Updated by: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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