Category:Oesophagus - Pathology

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Introduction

• The oesophagus is the part of alimentary tract that tends to go wrong least often.

• Failure of oesophageal function results in obstruction and in failure of ingesta to pass to the stomach.
• In the bovine there may also be failure of eructation and tympany may develop.

Defence Mechanisms

• The oesophagus has no serosa and is covered by the fibrous tissue of the neck and mediastinum, from which it derives its blood supply.
• Consequently, infection spreads easily and healing is more difficult.
• Oesophageal disease is therefore difficult to treat and is consequently very serious.

Upper Alimentary Tract Carcinoma Complex

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Other Species

Traumatic Pathology

Impaction of the Oesophagus

Rupture

• Perforation may occur with sharp foreign bodies. This may lead to cellulitis or pleurisy and other complications.
• Rupture of the oesophagus admits pathogenic organisms to the mediastinum and fascial planes of the neck. Both are composed of loose connective tissue and communicate with each other.
• Infection spreads rapidly as a cellulitis, aided possibly by peristalsis and pulsation of the carotid arteries, and soon leads to pleurisy.
• Rupture is almost always fatal.

Learning Tools

Oesophagus Flashcards