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Gastroesophageal reflux - series - Normal anatomy

Normal anatomy:

The esophagus is a narrow, muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. A muscular ring (sphincter) at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach prevents reflux (backflow) of food and acid from the stomach into the esophagus.

Reviewed last on: 9/7/2008
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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