The esophageal sphincters are bands of muscles at the top and bottom of the esophagus — the muscular tube that passes food and drink from the mouth to the stomach. Esophageal sphincters open and close ...

BETHESDA, Md. (August 30, 2005) – Even the U.S. National Institutes of Health doesn't know what causes gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. And NIH's National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive ...

A no-needle version of acupuncture could offer a new way to battle chronic heartburn, if preliminary research pans out. The study, involving heartburn-free volunteers, found that electrical ...

Panel A shows the microscopic myoarchitecture of the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the lower esophageal sphincter and stomach. The circular muscle fibers of the esophagus cross each other ...

The esophagus is a tubular, elongated organ that plays an important role in transporting food and liquids to the stomach. Several conditions can negatively affect the esophagus, including acid reflux, ...

Achalasia is a rare disorder where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax. It’s also marked by the loss of peristalsis, the muscle waves that push food down the esophagus. The root cause ...

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as gastro oesophageal reflux disease, is more than just the occasional heartburn—it’s a chronic condition where stomach acid keeps flowing back into ...

Esophageal spasms cause painful chest contractions and affect swallowing and digestion. Medications and peppermint oil can ...

So you're feeling that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest. Your mouth tastes bitter or sour. The back of your throat is burning. While the occasional heartburn episode usually isn't an ...