cricopharyngeus muscle

anatomy

Also known as: upper esophageal sphincter

Learn about this topic in these articles:

In swallowing
…is a muscular constrictor, the upper esophageal sphincter, which relaxes and opens when food approaches. Food passes from the pharynx into the esophagus; the upper esophageal sphincter then immediately closes, preventing flow of food back into the mouth.
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In esophagus
…or upper, end is the upper esophageal sphincter, and at the distal, or lower, end is the lower esophageal sphincter.
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In human digestive system: Esophagus
This sphincter is called the cricopharyngeus muscle. The lower esophageal sphincter encircles the 3 to 4 cm of the esophagus that pass through an opening in the diaphragm called the diaphragmatic hiatus. The lower esophageal sphincter is maintained in tension at all times, except in response to a descending contraction…
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