The esophagus is an approximately 25-28 cm long hollow tubular organ, which in the projection on the spine of C6 extends approximately up to Th10. It runs in the top and the posterior mediastinum between the trachea and aorta and is located at a short distance to the left atrium. The esophagus is divided into a pars cervicalis, a thoracic pars and after passing through the diaphragm at esophageal hiatus into a pars abdominalis
Normally, the esophagus has three anatomic constrictions at the following levels:
*At the esophageal inlet, where the pharynx joins the esophagus, behind the cricoid cartilage (14–16 cm from the incisor teeth).
*Where its anterior surface is crossed by the aortic arch and the left bronchus (25–27 cm from the incisor teeth).
*Where it pierces the diaphragm (36–38 cm from the incisor teeth).