The muscle between the esophagus and stomach. When a person swallows, this muscle relaxes to let food pass from the esophagus to the stomach. It stays closed at other times to keep stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
The smooth muscle surrounding the opening of the esophagus into the stomach. In health, it separates these linked organs from each other, preventing the reflux of stomach acids into the esophagus.
Situated at the lower end of the esophagus, there exists a specialized muscular ring that acts as a barrier, preventing the regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus. This circular muscle, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, serves as a crucial defense mechanism, ensuring that the contents of the stomach remain within their designated space and do not flow back up into the esophagus. Understanding the role and function of the lower esophageal sphincter aids in comprehending its significance in maintaining a healthy digestive process and preventing conditions such as acid reflux.