The oesophagus
The oesophagus is a muscular tube that goes from the mouth down through the chest to the stomach.
What is the oesophagus?
The oesophagus (gullet) is part of the digestive system, which is sometimes called the gastro-intestinal or GI tract. The oesophagus is a muscular tube that goes from the mouth down through the chest to the stomach.
When you swallow food, the walls of the oesophagus squeeze together (contract). This moves the food down the oesophagus to the stomach. Most of the oesophagus is in the upper part of the chest above a layer of muscle called the diaphragm. The diaphragm sits below the lungs and helps you breathe.
The bottom part of the oesophagus is below the diaphragm. The place where the oesophagus joins the stomach is called the gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ). There are lymph nodes close to the oesophagus.
The oesophagus has 4 layers:
- The mucosa is the inner layer. It is similar to the lining of the mouth. It is moist, to help food pass smoothly into the stomach.
- The submucosa contains glands that produce mucus (secretions). These keep the oesophagus moist.
- The muscularis is a layer of muscle. It pushes food down into the stomach.
- The adventitia is the outer layer. It attaches the oesophagus to nearby parts of the body.
The oesophagus and surrounding organs
Lymph nodes and oesophageal cancer
Oesophageal cancer can sometimes spread to the lymph nodes close to the oesophagus. If you have surgery to remove oesophageal cancer, your surgeon will usually remove some lymph nodes to check for cancer cells.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our oesophageal cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
European Society for Medical Oncology. Oesophageal Cancer: ESMO clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow up. 2022. Available from www.esmo.org/guidelines/guidelines-by-topic/gastrointestinal-cancers/oesophageal-cancer [accessed July 2023].
National Institute for Care and Health Excellence. Oesophago-gastric cancer: assessment and management in adults NICE guideline [NG83]. 2018. Available from www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng83 [accessed July 2023].
Dr Chris Jones
Reviewer
Speciality Registrar in Clinical Oncologist and Clinical Lecturer in Clinical Oncology
Date reviewed
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