abdominal part of esophagus

The abdominal part of esophagus (abdominal esophagus) is the short terminal segment of the esophagus that lies within the abdominal cavity, below the diaphragm and above the stomach. It is composed of smooth muscle and represents the inferior portion of the esophagus's lower third.

The abdominal part of the esophagus extends from the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm down to the gastroesophageal junction (where the esophagus meets the stomach). This segment is typically only a few centimeters long and lies in the upper abdomen.

This segment transports swallowed food from the thoracic esophagus into the stomach. It contains the lower esophageal sphincter region, which is critical for preventing the reflux of gastric acid back into the esophagus.

The abdominal esophagus is a key site of pathology in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, and achalasia (failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax). Barrett's esophagus — a precancerous condition — can develop in this region due to chronic acid exposure.

While the thoracic esophagus passes through the mediastinum of the chest, the abdominal segment enters the peritoneal cavity. The abdominal portion is short and associated with the lower esophageal sphincter mechanism, making it clinically significant in reflux pathology.