Poetry | Esophagus

The Esophagus

A Poem by Joshua Namias MD

The esophageal organ, really is quite neat.

Its job is to transport that which we eat.

The link with the brain, is really quite essential,

But its own, innate, nervous system, gives it quite some potential.

When it functions normally, all should go quite easy,

But if there is pathology, you may feel kinda queasy.

The bolus enters at the top and travels down so smooth,

That is thanks to the musculature, that should work in a rhythmic groove.

At the distal end, the LES sits, acting as the gate-keeper

This ring of muscle should relax to let the bolus travel deeper.

Deeper into the intestinal system, for processing and digestion,

But ahead of myself, do I get, please forgive my digression.

For it simply isn’t an elongated tube that has such passive traits,

But rather it is closely controlled with many different states.

Primary peristalsis is centrally controlled and empties the esophagus clean,

If distension remains, along come a secondary wave, the likes of which you haven’t seen.

Now this is all, when it functions right and everything works well,

But if there is pathology, things can go to hell.

A narrowing of the lumen, from things such as rings or strictures,

May require evaluating with barium or endoscopic pictures.

Systemic problems with nerves or muscles, can really be quite tough,

Those too involve, the esophagus, and for some that is quite enough.

Enough that they can’t eat, or if they try, they choke,

One may refer to the esophagus, in this case, to be broke.

We are able to fix it in some, but in others to no avail,

But when we do, then they can enjoy, an oversized lobster tail.

The esophageal organ, it should now be easy to see,

Provides joy, when working properly, for both you and me.