Biomaterial Database

Achalasia: new thoughts on an old disease. 1992

C M Farr

Achalasia is the most recognized esophageal motor disorder first described 300 years ago by Sir Thomas Willis. Although the cause of achalasia remains unknown, the disease is thought to occur as a result of degeneration of Auerbach's plexus in the intramural nervous network. A review of the literature reveals that there is reversibility of this disease in some patients after treatment, raising intriguing questions as to the pathogenesis of this disorder and underscoring the need for further study.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D009126	Muscle Relaxation	That phase of a muscle twitch during which a muscle returns to a resting position.	Muscle Relaxations,Relaxation, Muscle,Relaxations, Muscle
D009130	Muscle, Smooth	Unstriated and unstriped muscle, one of the muscles of the internal organs, blood vessels, hair follicles, etc. Contractile elements are elongated, usually spindle-shaped cells with centrally located nuclei. Smooth muscle fibers are bound together into sheets or bundles by reticular fibers and frequently elastic nets are also abundant. (From Stedman, 25th ed)	Muscle, Involuntary,Smooth Muscle,Involuntary Muscle,Involuntary Muscles,Muscles, Involuntary,Muscles, Smooth,Smooth Muscles
D010528	Peristalsis	A movement, caused by sequential muscle contraction, that pushes the contents of the intestines or other tubular organs in one direction.	Peristalses
D004931	Esophageal Achalasia	A motility disorder of the ESOPHAGUS in which the LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER (near the CARDIA) fails to relax resulting in functional obstruction of the esophagus, and DYSPHAGIA. Achalasia is characterized by a grossly contorted and dilated esophagus (megaesophagus).	Achalasia, Esophageal,Cardiospasm,Megaesophagus,Achalasia,Achalasias,Achalasias, Esophageal,Cardiospasms,Esophageal Achalasias
D004943	Esophagogastric Junction	The area covering the terminal portion of ESOPHAGUS and the beginning of STOMACH at the cardiac orifice.	Gastroesophageal Junction,Gastroesophageal Junctions,Junction, Esophagogastric,Junction, Gastroesophageal,Junctions, Gastroesophageal
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man