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Schatzkis rings usually cause no symptoms, but may cause difficulty swallowing.

The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) with the stomach.

The esophagus is about 8 inches long, and is lined by moist pink tissue called mucosa.

The esophagus runs behind the windpipe (trachea) and heart, and in front of the spine.

Just before entering the stomach, the esophagus passes through the diaphragm.

The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is a bundle of muscles at the top of the esophagus.

The muscles of the UES are under conscious control, used when breathing, eating, belching, and vomiting.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a bundle of muscles at the low end of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach.

When the LES is closed, it prevents acid and stomach contents from traveling backwards from the stomach.

Esophagus Conditions Heartburn: An incompletely closed LES allows acidic stomach contents to back up (reflux) into the esophagus.

Reflux can cause heartburn, cough or hoarseness, or no symptoms at all.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): When reflux occurs frequently or is bothersome, its called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Esophagitis can be due to irritation (as from reflux or radiation treatment) or infection.

Very infrequently, Barretts esophagus progresses to esophageal cancer.

Esophageal ulcer: An erosion in an area of the lining of the esophagus.

Chronic irritation from reflux is the usual cause of esophageal strictures.

Achalasia: A rare disease in which the lower esophageal sphincter does not relax properly.

Difficulty swallowing and regurgitation of food are symptoms.

Esophageal cancer: Although serious, cancer of the esophagus is uncommon.

Risk factors for esophageal cancer include smoking, heavy drinking, and chronic reflux.

Mallory-Weiss tear: Vomiting or retching creates a tear in the lining of the esophagus.

The esophagus bleeds into the stomach, often followed by vomiting blood.

Esophageal varices: In people with cirrhosis, veins in the esophagus may become engorged and bulge.

Called varices, these veins are vulnerable to life-threatening bleeding.

Esophageal ring (Schatzkis ring): A common, benign accumulation of tissue in a ring around the low end of the esophagus.

3D View Of Human Anatomy