<i>Motor Responses of the Esophagus to Distention</i>

Abstract

The involuntary motor activity of the human esophagus in response to distention has been studied. A general purposeful pattern of motility is consistently induced by distention. The pharyngo-esophageal sphincter contracts and the gastroesophageal sphincter relaxes, while esophageal contractions propel the distending factor toward the stomach. Following distention with fluid, a peristaltic wave most commonly is induced in the esophagus. Following distention with a solid obstructing stimulus, contractions occur above it but rarely below. Individual components of these motor responses have been elicited with minimal distention. Submitted on November 20, 1956