The Physiology of Esophageal Reflexes

Abstract

Several digestive tract reflexes involving the esophagus and its sphincter muscles have been identified, but to date, no comprehensive review has addressed most of these reflexes. The current review presents the known physiology of different esophageal reflexes in which either the esophagus or its sensory or motor portion of the reflex response is elaborated. The current review comprehensively examines the known and possible mechanisms underlying major esophageal reflexes, highlights the huge gaps in current knowledge and limitations of previous research, helps shed light on the physiology of these reflexes, and suggests how the knowledge gaps can be bridged. In conclusion, this review will be very useful for researchers, clinicians, and academicians around the world.