Title: Cricopharyngeus Muscle - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Headings: Cricopharyngeus Muscle
Cricopharyngeus Muscle
The Patient with a Full Stomach
2 Upper Esophageal Sphincter Tone
Cricopharyngeal Achalasia
KEY FACTS
Terminology
Imaging
Top Differential Diagnoses
Pathology
Clinical Issues
Diagnostic Checklist
Esophagus
Cricopharyngeal Achalasia & Hiatal Hernia
Disorders of the Face, Tongue, Esophagus, Larynx, and Ear
Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction
Gastrointestinal Motility
Upper Esophageal Sphincter
Volume 2
Upper Esophageal Sphincter
Gastrointestinal Tract
Anatomy
Cricopharyngeal Dysphagia
Abstract
Esophageal Outpouchings (Diverticula)
Helpful Clues for Common Diagnoses

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Esophagus
Pharynx
Indentation from cricopharyngeus muscle
The cricopharyngeus normally relaxes in anticipation of the arrival of a bolus of food. This lateral film shows persistent filling of the pharynx and contraction of the cricopharyngeus muscle after the bolus of barium has passed. Sign in to download full-size image
Esophagus
Herniated stomach
Diaphragm
Film of the lower chest in the same patient shows a hiatal hernia. Cricopharyngeal achalasia is often the indirect result of disordered esophageal motility and acid reflux. View chapter Purchase book
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URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323477819500295
Disorders of the Face, Tongue, Esophagus, Larynx, and Ear
Michael D. Lorenz BS, DVM, DACVIM, ... Marc Kent DVM, BA, DACVIM, in Handbook of Veterinary Neurology (Fifth Edition), 2011
Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction
An uncommon cause of dysphagia involves the cricopharyngeus muscle, which together with the thyropharyngeus muscles forms the UES. Coordinated relaxation of this sphincter occurs during the pharyngoesophageal phase. Disorders involving the cricopharyngeal muscles, such as cricopharyngeal dysfunction (CD), include the inability to relax the sphincter (achalasia), delayed relaxation of the cricopharyngeus muscle as the bolus of food moves caudally (asynchrony), and failure to close the sphincter (chalasia).174 Often a combination of abnormalities is present in CD. Clinical signs consist of repeated attempts to swallow, gagging, coughing, and nasopharyngeal reflux, excessive salivation, and regurgitation, and weight loss. 175 Positive contrast-enhanced videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing liquids and solid food is used to confirm the diagnosis.