Esophagus anatomy test

Check your knowledge of esophagus anatomy. The test covers its topography, anatomical constrictions, blood supply, innervation, and lymphatic drainage pathways.

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1. At what vertebral level does the esophagus usually start in adults?

Level C4

The esophagus begins at the level of the 6th cervical vertebra (C6), which corresponds to the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage.
Level C6

The esophagus begins at the level of the 6th cervical vertebra (C6), which corresponds to the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage.
Level Th2

The esophagus begins at the level of the 6th cervical vertebra (C6), which corresponds to the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage.
Level Th4

The esophagus begins at the level of the 6th cervical vertebra (C6), which corresponds to the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage.
I find it difficult to answer

The esophagus begins at the level of the 6th cervical vertebra (C6), which corresponds to the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage.

2. At what level does the esophagus pass through the diaphragm?

Th8

The esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm is located at the level of the 10th thoracic vertebra (Th10).
Th12

The esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm is located at the level of the 10th thoracic vertebra (Th10).
Th10

The esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm is located at the level of the 10th thoracic vertebra (Th10).
L1

The esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm is located at the level of the 10th thoracic vertebra (Th10).
I find it difficult to answer

The esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm is located at the level of the 10th thoracic vertebra (Th10).

3. Which artery is the main source of blood supply to the cervical part of the esophagus?

A. thyroidea superior

The cervical part of the esophagus is supplied by branches of the inferior thyroid artery (a. thyroidea inferior), originating from the thyrocervical trunk.
external carotid artery

The cervical part of the esophagus is supplied by branches of the inferior thyroid artery (a. thyroidea inferior), originating from the thyrocervical trunk.
A. vertebralis

The cervical part of the esophagus is supplied by branches of the inferior thyroid artery (a. thyroidea inferior), originating from the thyrocervical trunk.
A. thyroidea inferior

The cervical part of the esophagus is supplied by branches of the inferior thyroid artery (a. thyroidea inferior), originating from the thyrocervical trunk.
I find it difficult to answer

The cervical part of the esophagus is supplied by branches of the inferior thyroid artery (a. thyroidea inferior), originating from the thyrocervical trunk.

4. Which anatomical structure is located anteriorly to the esophagus in its cervical section?

Trachea

In the cervical section, the esophagus is anteriorly located behind the membranous wall of the trachea.
Aortic arch

In the cervical section, the esophagus is anteriorly located behind the membranous wall of the trachea.
Thyroid gland

In the cervical section, the esophagus is anteriorly located behind the membranous wall of the trachea.
Vertebral column

In the cervical section, the esophagus is anteriorly located behind the membranous wall of the trachea.
I find it difficult to answer

In the cervical section, the esophagus is anteriorly located behind the membranous wall of the trachea.

5. What structure forms the left (bronchoaortic) anatomical constriction of the esophagus?

Left atrium

The middle anatomical constriction of the esophagus is caused by the proximity of the aortic arch and left main bronchus at the level of Th4-Th5.
Left main bronchus

The middle anatomical constriction of the esophagus is caused by the proximity of the aortic arch and left main bronchus at the level of Th4-Th5.
Right main bronchus

The middle anatomical constriction of the esophagus is caused by the proximity of the aortic arch and left main bronchus at the level of Th4-Th5.
Azygos vein

The middle anatomical constriction of the esophagus is caused by the proximity of the aortic arch and left main bronchus at the level of Th4-Th5.
I find it difficult to answer

The middle anatomical constriction of the esophagus is caused by the proximity of the aortic arch and left main bronchus at the level of Th4-Th5.

6. Where is the venous outflow from the thoracic part of the esophagus primarily directed?

V. cava inferior

The venous drainage from the thoracic part of the esophagus occurs into the azygos (v. azygos) and hemiazygos (v. hemiazygos) veins.
V. portae

The venous drainage from the thoracic part of the esophagus occurs into the azygos (v. azygos) and hemiazygos (v. hemiazygos) veins.
Vv. azygos et hemiazygos

The venous drainage from the thoracic part of the esophagus occurs into the azygos (v. azygos) and hemiazygos (v. hemiazygos) veins.
V. brachiocephalica

The venous drainage from the thoracic part of the esophagus occurs into the azygos (v. azygos) and hemiazygos (v. hemiazygos) veins.
I find it difficult to answer

The venous drainage from the thoracic part of the esophagus occurs into the azygos (v. azygos) and hemiazygos (v. hemiazygos) veins.

7. Which nerve forms the anterior vagal trunk on the abdominal part of the esophagus?

Right vagus nerve

Due to stomach rotation during embryogenesis, the left vagus nerve shifts to the anterior surface of the esophagus, forming the truncus vagalis anterior.
Left vagus nerve

Due to stomach rotation during embryogenesis, the left vagus nerve shifts to the anterior surface of the esophagus, forming the truncus vagalis anterior.
Greater splanchnic nerve

Due to stomach rotation during embryogenesis, the left vagus nerve shifts to the anterior surface of the esophagus, forming the truncus vagalis anterior.
Left phrenic nerve

Due to stomach rotation during embryogenesis, the left vagus nerve shifts to the anterior surface of the esophagus, forming the truncus vagalis anterior.
I find it difficult to answer

Due to stomach rotation during embryogenesis, the left vagus nerve shifts to the anterior surface of the esophagus, forming the truncus vagalis anterior.

8. What type of muscle tissue comprises the muscular layer of the upper third of the esophagus?

Only striated muscle tissue

The muscular layer of the upper third of the esophagus is formed by striated muscle fibers, which gradually transition to smooth ones below.
Only smooth muscle tissue

The muscular layer of the upper third of the esophagus is formed by striated muscle fibers, which gradually transition to smooth ones below.
A mix of smooth and cardiac muscle tissue

The muscular layer of the upper third of the esophagus is formed by striated muscle fibers, which gradually transition to smooth ones below.
The inner layer is smooth, the outer layer is striated

The muscular layer of the upper third of the esophagus is formed by striated muscle fibers, which gradually transition to smooth ones below.
I find it difficult to answer

The muscular layer of the upper third of the esophagus is formed by striated muscle fibers, which gradually transition to smooth ones below.

9. Which lymph nodes are regional for the abdominal part of the esophagus?

Nodi lymphatici mediastinales posteriores

Lymph from the abdominal part of the esophagus drains primarily into the left gastric lymph nodes (nodi lymphatici gastrici sinistri) and nodes of the lymphatic ring of the cardia.
Nodi lymphatici cervicales profundi

Lymph from the abdominal part of the esophagus drains primarily into the left gastric lymph nodes (nodi lymphatici gastrici sinistri) and nodes of the lymphatic ring of the cardia.
Nodi lymphatici coeliaci

Lymph from the abdominal part of the esophagus drains primarily into the left gastric lymph nodes (nodi lymphatici gastrici sinistri) and nodes of the lymphatic ring of the cardia.
Nodi lymphatici gastrici sinistri

Lymph from the abdominal part of the esophagus drains primarily into the left gastric lymph nodes (nodi lymphatici gastrici sinistri) and nodes of the lymphatic ring of the cardia.
I find it difficult to answer

Lymph from the abdominal part of the esophagus drains primarily into the left gastric lymph nodes (nodi lymphatici gastrici sinistri) and nodes of the lymphatic ring of the cardia.

10. Which vessel is involved in forming the portocaval anastomosis in the area of the abdominal part of the esophagus?

V. gastrica dextra

The left gastric vein (a tributary of the portal vein) anastomoses with esophageal veins (tributaries of v. azygos/hemiazygos), forming a portocaval anastomosis.
V. splenica

The left gastric vein (a tributary of the portal vein) anastomoses with esophageal veins (tributaries of v. azygos/hemiazygos), forming a portocaval anastomosis.
V. gastrica sinistra

The left gastric vein (a tributary of the portal vein) anastomoses with esophageal veins (tributaries of v. azygos/hemiazygos), forming a portocaval anastomosis.
V. mesenterica superior

The left gastric vein (a tributary of the portal vein) anastomoses with esophageal veins (tributaries of v. azygos/hemiazygos), forming a portocaval anastomosis.
I find it difficult to answer

The left gastric vein (a tributary of the portal vein) anastomoses with esophageal veins (tributaries of v. azygos/hemiazygos), forming a portocaval anastomosis.

11. At what level does the esophagus end when transitioning into the stomach (ostium cardiacum)?

Th9

The junction of the esophagus and the stomach (the cardiac orifice) is located at the level of the 11th thoracic vertebra (Th11).
Th11

The junction of the esophagus and the stomach (the cardiac orifice) is located at the level of the 11th thoracic vertebra (Th11).
Th10

The junction of the esophagus and the stomach (the cardiac orifice) is located at the level of the 11th thoracic vertebra (Th11).
Th12

The junction of the esophagus and the stomach (the cardiac orifice) is located at the level of the 11th thoracic vertebra (Th11).
I find it difficult to answer

The junction of the esophagus and the stomach (the cardiac orifice) is located at the level of the 11th thoracic vertebra (Th11).

12. Which structure closely relates to the thoracic part of the esophagus at the level of Th8-Th9 anteriorly?

Left atrium

At the level of Th8-Th9, the esophagus is anteriorly adjacent to the posterior wall of the left atrium, which holds significant topographical importance.
Right atrium

At the level of Th8-Th9, the esophagus is anteriorly adjacent to the posterior wall of the left atrium, which holds significant topographical importance.
Aortic arch

At the level of Th8-Th9, the esophagus is anteriorly adjacent to the posterior wall of the left atrium, which holds significant topographical importance.
Trachea

At the level of Th8-Th9, the esophagus is anteriorly adjacent to the posterior wall of the left atrium, which holds significant topographical importance.
I find it difficult to answer

At the level of Th8-Th9, the esophagus is anteriorly adjacent to the posterior wall of the left atrium, which holds significant topographical importance.

13. How is the thoracic duct positioned in relation to the esophagus in the posterior mediastinum at the level of Th4?

Anterior and to the right

The thoracic lymphatic duct at the level of Th4 deviates to the left and passes behind and to the left of the esophagus.
Anterior and to the left

The thoracic lymphatic duct at the level of Th4 deviates to the left and passes behind and to the left of the esophagus.
Behind and to the right

The thoracic lymphatic duct at the level of Th4 deviates to the left and passes behind and to the left of the esophagus.
Behind and to the left

The thoracic lymphatic duct at the level of Th4 deviates to the left and passes behind and to the left of the esophagus.
I find it difficult to answer

The thoracic lymphatic duct at the level of Th4 deviates to the left and passes behind and to the left of the esophagus.

14. Which arteries supply the abdominal part of the esophagus?

A. gastrica sinistra et a. phrenica inferior sinistra

The abdominal section is supplied by esophageal branches of the left gastric artery and the left inferior phrenic artery.
Aa. phrenicae superiores

The abdominal section is supplied by esophageal branches of the left gastric artery and the left inferior phrenic artery.
A. hepatica communis

The abdominal section is supplied by esophageal branches of the left gastric artery and the left inferior phrenic artery.
A. lienalis

The abdominal section is supplied by esophageal branches of the left gastric artery and the left inferior phrenic artery.
I find it difficult to answer

The abdominal section is supplied by esophageal branches of the left gastric artery and the left inferior phrenic artery.

15. Which layer is absent in the wall of the thoracic part of the esophagus?

Mucosa

The thoracic part of the esophagus is covered by an adventitia. Serosa (peritoneum) covers only the abdominal section.
Submucosa

The thoracic part of the esophagus is covered by an adventitia. Serosa (peritoneum) covers only the abdominal section.
Serosa

The thoracic part of the esophagus is covered by an adventitia. Serosa (peritoneum) covers only the abdominal section.
Muscular layer

The thoracic part of the esophagus is covered by an adventitia. Serosa (peritoneum) covers only the abdominal section.
I find it difficult to answer

The thoracic part of the esophagus is covered by an adventitia. Serosa (peritoneum) covers only the abdominal section.

16. Which anatomical constriction of the esophagus is the lowest (third)?

Pharyngoesophageal

The third anatomical constriction of the esophagus is located at its passage through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm.
Aortic

The third anatomical constriction of the esophagus is located at its passage through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm.
Bronchial

The third anatomical constriction of the esophagus is located at its passage through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm.
Diaphragmatic

The third anatomical constriction of the esophagus is located at its passage through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm.
I find it difficult to answer

The third anatomical constriction of the esophagus is located at its passage through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm.

17. Which structure is located to the right of the thoracic part of the esophagus along its entire length to the level of the lung root?

Thoracic duct

To the right of the esophagus in the thoracic cavity is the right mediastinal pleura.
Mediastinal pleura of the right lung

To the right of the esophagus in the thoracic cavity is the right mediastinal pleura.
Descending aorta

To the right of the esophagus in the thoracic cavity is the right mediastinal pleura.
Left recurrent laryngeal nerve

To the right of the esophagus in the thoracic cavity is the right mediastinal pleura.
I find it difficult to answer

To the right of the esophagus in the thoracic cavity is the right mediastinal pleura.

18. What type of epithelium normally lines the mucosa of the esophagus?

Simple columnar glandular

The mucosa of the esophagus is lined with stratified squamous, nonkeratinized epithelium, performing a protective function.
Pseudostratified ciliated

The mucosa of the esophagus is lined with stratified squamous, nonkeratinized epithelium, performing a protective function.
Stratified squamous, nonkeratinized

The mucosa of the esophagus is lined with stratified squamous, nonkeratinized epithelium, performing a protective function.
Transitional epithelium

The mucosa of the esophagus is lined with stratified squamous, nonkeratinized epithelium, performing a protective function.
I find it difficult to answer

The mucosa of the esophagus is lined with stratified squamous, nonkeratinized epithelium, performing a protective function.

19. Where does the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (n. laryngeus recurrens sinister) pass in relation to the esophagus?

In front of the trachea

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve ascends to the neck, located in the left groove between the trachea and esophagus (sulcus tracheooesophageus sinister).
In the left tracheoesophageal groove

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve ascends to the neck, located in the left groove between the trachea and esophagus (sulcus tracheooesophageus sinister).
Behind the esophagus

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve ascends to the neck, located in the left groove between the trachea and esophagus (sulcus tracheooesophageus sinister).
In the right tracheoesophageal groove

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve ascends to the neck, located in the left groove between the trachea and esophagus (sulcus tracheooesophageus sinister).
I find it difficult to answer

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve ascends to the neck, located in the left groove between the trachea and esophagus (sulcus tracheooesophageus sinister).

20. What is the average length of the esophagus in adults?

25-30 cm

In adults, the esophagus averages a length of 25 to 30 centimeters.
10-15 cm

In adults, the esophagus averages a length of 25 to 30 centimeters.
40-45 cm

In adults, the esophagus averages a length of 25 to 30 centimeters.
50-60 cm

In adults, the esophagus averages a length of 25 to 30 centimeters.
I find it difficult to answer

In adults, the esophagus averages a length of 25 to 30 centimeters.