Final answer:
Esophagismus is a condition involving muscular spasms of the esophagus, the tube that transports food from the pharynx to the stomach, disrupting the normal peristaltic movements essential for swallowing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Esophagismus is a muscular spasm (-ismus) pertaining to the esophagus, a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. This condition involves an involuntary contraction of the muscles within the esophagus, which can impede the normal passage of food and liquids. The esophagus features a peristaltic movement that is an involuntary reflex initiated by swallowing, responsible for pushing the food toward the stomach. However, in esophagismus, these rhythmic contractions are disrupted by spasms.
The esophagus is about 25 cm (10 in.) in length and consists of a mucous membrane lining, allowing for a smooth, slippery surface for food to pass over. When a person swallows, the circular and longitudinal layers of the muscularis in the esophagus contract to propel the food towards the stomach, a process controlled by the medulla oblongata. The gastro-esophageal sphincter, a ring-like muscle at the stomach end of the esophagus, normally opens in response to swallowing to allow food to pass into the stomach, and closes to prevent backflow of stomach contents.