Author(s): WANG Qin, XU Sheng-chun, LIU Ye-hai, HU Guo-qin, LIANG liang, TU Li-li, Department of Otolaryngology, the Second People’s Hospital of Hefei City, Department of Human Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, Department of Otolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University
Pages: 363-366
Year: 2015 Issue:  3
Journal: Acta Anatomica Sinica
Keyword:  Pharynx; Esophagus; Lumen; Lateral cricopharyngeal triangle; Aging; Anatomy; Adult;
Abstract: Objective To investigate the changes in the lumen diameter of pharyngeal esophageal segment during the aging process. Methods The pharyngeal esophageal lumen was dissected and examined in 60 cadareric specimens.Results Pharyngeal esophageal lumen appeared in a compact or a smooth shapes. The measurement pharyngeal esophageal lumen was performed at 4 planes: lateral cricopharyngeal triangle,inferior horn of thyroid cartilage,narrowest point and inferior margin of the cricoid cartilage. It was observed that the lumen from the lateral cricopharyngeal triangle to cricoid inferior plane became gradually narrowed( P < 0. 05). The diameter of the pharyngeal esophageal lumens was greater in the elderly group than that in the youth group and the young group( P < 0. 05). There were significant differences in the lumen diameter at different planes( P < 0. 05) and in the 3 age groups( P < 0. 05). Conclusion The diameter of the pharyngeal esophageal lumens is greater in the elderly group than that in the youth group,suggesting compensatory changes in the aging process.