esophagogastric junction (cardioesophageal or gastroesophageal junction)
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Introduction
The terminal end of esophagus & begining of stomach at the cardiac orifice.
- lies to the level of T11 vertebra on the horizontal plane that passes through the tip of the xiphoid process
- site of the physiologic lower esophageal sphincter
Clinical:
- Surgeons & endoscopists designate this junction as the Z-line - a jagged line where the mucosa abruptly changes from esophageal to gastric mucosa
Pathology
- narrowing of the gastroesophageal junction with Schatzki ring[3]