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Cervical part of esophagus

The cervical part of the esophagus is the superior section of the esophagus, located in the neck. It forms the initial segment of the esophageal tube, connecting the pharynx to the thoracic esophagus. This segment plays a crucial role in swallowing, acting as a conduit for food and liquid from the oropharynx to the stomach. It is closely related to important anatomical structures in the neck, including the trachea, thyroid gland, major blood vessels, and recurrent laryngeal nerves.

Anatomical Points

Origin:

  • Begins at the lower border of the cricoid cartilage (level of C6 vertebra).

  • Continuation of the pharynx.

Insertion (Termination):

  • Extends from the lower border of the cricoid cartilage (C6) to the thoracic inlet, where it enters the superior mediastinum at the level of the T1 vertebra.

Length:

  • Approximately 4–5 cm in adults.

Relations:

  • Anteriorly: Trachea.

  • Posteriorly: Prevertebral fascia and vertebral column.

  • Laterally: Lobes of the thyroid gland, carotid sheath (containing common carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and vagus nerve), and inferior thyroid artery.

  • Recurrent laryngeal nerves: Lie in the tracheoesophageal grooves on either side.

Nerve Supply

• Motor Supply:

  • Recurrent laryngeal nerves (branches of the vagus nerve, CN X) supply all muscles except the uppermost cricopharyngeus, which is also supplied by the pharyngeal plexus.

• Sensory Supply:

  • Recurrent laryngeal nerve and fibers from the sympathetic chain.

Artery Supply

  • Inferior thyroid artery (branch of thyrocervical trunk from subclavian artery) is the primary arterial supply to the cervical esophagus.

Vein Supply

  • Inferior thyroid veins drain the cervical esophagus, ultimately emptying into the brachiocephalic veins.

Imaging Appearance

MRI Appearance:

  • T1-weighted Images:

    • The esophageal wall appears as an intermediate to low signal intensity. The lumen may appear as a low signal (fluid-filled).

  • T2-weighted Images:

    • The wall shows low to intermediate signal; fluid in the lumen is hyperintense (bright).

  • STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

    • High sensitivity for detecting edema, inflammation, or masses; the wall may show increased signal in pathology.

CT Appearance:

  • On CT, the cervical esophagus appears as a collapsed, soft-tissue tube posterior to the trachea, with well-defined walls and occasionally air or contrast within the lumen. It can be distinguished from adjacent structures with contrast enhancement.

MRI images

Cervical part of esophagus mri

MRI images

Cervical part of esophagus