Relevant Anatomic Relations of the Esophagus

Abstract The primary purpose of the esophagus is to transport food from the mouth to the stomach; the esophagus has no digestive or absorptive function. The esophagus is a muscular tube that starts at the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage in the neck and traverses the chest, ending as it enters the stomach in the upper abdomen. While the esophagus seems like a simple organ at first glance, esophageal surgeons must be familiar with the complex anatomy and function of the upper and lower esophageal sphincters, the extensive lymphatic and vascular submucosal networks, and the clinical importance of the relationship of the esophagus with surrounding structures in all three areas of the body for effective surgical planning and the prevention of potential complications.