Gastroesophageal reflux.

Abstract

All babies reflux during their first year of life. Preventing stomach contents from flowing back up the esophagus in humans depends not on a distinct anatomic valve (like the anus or pylorus) but on the interplay of several anatomic and functional factors: The angle of His (the angle between the stomach and esophagus) Muscular tone at the lower esophagus A mucosal “rosette” that acts like a flutter valve The length of the esophagus inside the abdomen Brisk emptying of food from the stomach The pinch-cock effect of the crura of diaphragm Other factors (like hiatal hernia)