Esophagus in situ (English)

The esophagus is located posterior to the trachea and anterior to the vertebral column. On its course, it is closely associated with several structures, such as the thoracic aorta, the left main bronchus, and the left atrium of the heart (not visible here). The cervical portion of the esophagus begins at the pharyngoesophageal junction and ends at the entry into the upper thoracic aperture. The thoracic portion travels through the superior and posterior inferior mediastinum. It ends at the esophageal hiatus where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm. The abdominal portion lies intraperitoneally. It starts where the esophagus passes through the diaphragm and terminates at the cardial orifice of the stomach (esophagogastric junction).