MOTOR DISORDERS OF THE ESOPHAGUS

ESOPHAGEAL motor disorders are clinical abnormalities in esophageal motility that are caused by a disruption in the neurohumoral or muscular control of peristalsis or lower-esophagealsphincter (LES) function. Recent progress in the classification, pathophysiology and treatment of the major esophageal motor disorders is presented in this review. Physiology of Esophageal Function The functions of the esophagus depend on myogenic properties, innervation and circulating humoral substances. An orderly, progressive contraction of the esophageal body occurs in response to swallowing (primary peristalsis) or esophageal distension (secondary peristalsis). Both types of peristalsis have similar dimensions of amplitude and propagation, although they occur through different. © 1979, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.