CHAPTER III. 

 DISEASES OF THE CESOPHAGUS* 



The oesophageal tube is of very simple anatomical construction, and 

 performs an equally simple physiological function ; nevertheless, in the 

 ox it is liable to a large number of diseased conditions. These con- 

 ditions may affect only a circumscribed area of the 

 mucous membrane or the entire extent of the tube. 

 Again, both the muscular and mucous tissues may 

 be affected, as in inflammation of the oesophagus 

 accompanied or followed by contraction, and in the 

 formation of oesophageal abscesses and tumours ; 

 or the muscular tissue alone may be affected, as 

 in cases of dilatation. Even where no lesion is 

 apparent the normal rhythm of deglutition may 

 be interfered with, either by the presence of a 

 foreign body (obstruction) or by spasm of the mus- 

 cular layers (oesophagismus) or by compression due 

 to tissues surrounding the oesophagus (false con- 

 tractions). 



We shall successively study the different forms 

 of oesophagitis, contraction, and dilatation, together 

 with their complications ; then obstructions, ruptures of the oesophagus 

 oesophagismus, and false contractions. 



Fig. 64. — Schema il- 

 lustrating anatomy 

 of the oesophagus: 

 a strong external 

 layer of muscle, in- 

 termediate cellulo- 

 elastic layer, inner 

 layer of mucous 

 membrane lying in 

 folds and capable of 

 great dilatation. 



(ESOPHAGITIS. 



Inflammation of the oesophagus may be due to many different causes, 

 and may occur in one of three different degrees of severity. It may 

 be either superficial, i.e., limited to the epithelial layer of the mucous 

 membrane ; or deep, affecting the entire thickness of the mucous mem- 

 brane (epithelium, corium, and oesophageal glands) ; or, finally, it may 

 attack both the mucous and muscular layers. German authors recog- 

 nise various divisions, such as erythematous, catarrhal, follicular, and 

 phlegmonous oesophagitis. In reality these are not always different forms, 

 but simply successive stages in the evolution of a single morbid condition. 



