pharyngoesophageal constriction

pharyngoesophageal constriction

[TA] normal narrowing of the alimentary tract, demonstrated radiographically after a barium swallow, at the junction of the pharynx with the esophagus (C5 vertebral level) caused by the tonic or active contraction of the cricopharyngeal part of the inferior constrictor of the pharynx (upper esophageal sphincter).
See also: cricopharyngeal part of inferior constrictor (muscle) of pharynx.
Synonym(s): constrictio pharyngoesophagealis [TA], upper esophageal constriction