Esophagal: meaning, definitions and examples
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esophagal
[ ɪˈsɒf.ə.ɡəl ]
medical terminology
Esophageal refers to anything related to the esophagus, the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach. It is commonly used in medical discussions about conditions, treatments, and functions related to this organ.
Examples of usage
- Esophageal cancer is a serious condition that requires immediate attention.
- The esophageal sphincter helps prevent acid reflux.
- Esophageal varices can occur in patients with liver disease.
- An esophageal motility study assesses the movement of the esophagus.
Word origin
The term 'esophageal' originates from the word 'esophagus,' which is derived from the Greek 'oisophagos,' formed by 'oisos' meaning 'to carry' and 'phagein' meaning 'to eat.' The word 'esophagus' refers to the tube in the body that connects the throat to the stomach, facilitating the movement of food. Over time, the 'esophageal' adjective was formed to describe anything pertaining to this anatomical structure. The use of esophageal in medical literature can be traced back to the early understanding of human anatomy and physiology, and it has become a standard term in clinical practice for describing a range of conditions and procedures associated with this integral part of the digestive system.