Final answer:
Yes, the statement regarding esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula is true as esophageal atresia means the esophagus ends in a blind pouch and a tracheoesophageal fistula represents an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula is true. Esophageal atresia is a condition in which the esophagus terminates before it reaches the stomach, ending in a blind pouch. A tracheoesophageal fistula is an unnatural connection that forms between the esophagus and the trachea. Normally, the esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach, and it should not have any openings connecting it to the trachea. During swallowing, mechanisms such as the rising of the soft palate and the closing of the epiglottis prevent food from entering the trachea, directing it instead into the esophagus. When these abnormalities are present, they can cause serious health issues that often require surgical correction.