The term “gullet” is the common name for the esophagus, a muscular tube that is a component of the human digestive tract. Its function is to transport food and liquids from the back of the throat down to the stomach. Understanding the gullet involves recognizing its anatomical position, the muscular mechanism it employs, and the common conditions that can disrupt its operation.
Defining the Gullet and Its Location
The gullet is a long, muscular tube, measuring approximately 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) in length in an adult. It begins in the neck, behind the windpipe (trachea), and extends downward through the chest cavity (mediastinum), running in front of the spinal column. Anatomically, it is divided into three sections: the cervical (neck), thoracic (chest), and abdominal segments. The gullet passes through the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen, before connecting to the stomach.
How the Gullet Facilitates Swallowing
The primary purpose of the gullet is the one-way transit of a swallowed mass of food, known as a bolus, from the pharynx to the stomach. This movement is achieved through peristalsis, a coordinated, involuntary process. Peristalsis involves rhythmic, wave-like contractions of the muscle layers that push the food ahead of the contracting wave.
The gullet is guarded by two ring-like muscles called sphincters that control entry and exit. The Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES) is located at the top, remaining closed to prevent air from entering the digestive tract. When swallowing begins, the UES relaxes briefly, allowing the bolus to pass into the gullet before closing again. The Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) acts as the valve between the gullet and the stomach. When the peristaltic wave reaches the lower end, the LES relaxes for the food to enter the stomach, then closes to prevent acidic stomach contents from splashing back up.
Understanding Common Gullet-Related Conditions
A common health issue concerning the gullet is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which occurs when the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) does not close properly or relaxes too frequently. This failure allows stomach acid to flow backward into the gullet, a process called reflux. Since the gullet lining is not designed to withstand this acid, reflux leads to the burning sensation known as heartburn.
Repeated acid exposure from GERD can cause inflammation and scarring, potentially leading to a narrowing of the gullet, medically termed a stricture. This narrowing contributes to dysphagia, which is difficulty swallowing or the feeling of food getting stuck. Dysphagia can also result from uncoordinated or weak muscle contractions, known as motility issues. Another condition causing dysphagia is achalasia, a disorder where the gullet’s nerves and muscles are damaged, resulting in a lack of peristalsis. In achalasia, the LES fails to relax, preventing food from entering the stomach and causing it to accumulate in the gullet.