Pharyngoesophageal constriction
Constrictio pharyngooesophagea
- Latin synonym: Constrictio pharyngooesophagealis; Introitus oesophagi
- Synonym: Upper esophageal sphincter; Superior oesophageal sphincter
- Eponym: Mouth of Killian
- Related terms: Pharyngooesophageal constriction
Definition
The pharyngooesophageal constriction is located at the junction of the pharynx with the oesophagus (C5 vertebral level), behind the cricoid cartilage, caused by contraction of the cricopharyngeal part of the inferior constrictor of the pharynx (upper esophageal sphincter).
References
Text by Antoine Micheau, MD - Copyright IMAIOS
