This is a view down the esophagus taken during a gastroscopy exam. The esophagus carries food from your mouth down into your stomach. There is a "valve" at the bottom called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter which helps prevent backflow of acid from the stomach upward. When this one-way valve malfunctions, heartburn is the result. Click here for more information.

Text & Images Courtesy of Three Rivers Endoscopy Center
© Dr. Robert Fusco, Three Rivers Endoscopy Center, All Rights Reserved