NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Foundational Knowledge and Basic ScienceMedium
A patient reports experiencing frequent episodes of heartburn, especially after meals and when lying down. They describe a sour taste in their mouth and occasional regurgitation of food. These symptoms are most indicative of a dysfunction in which of the following structures?
- AIleocecal valve
- BLower esophageal sphincter
- CSphincter of Oddi
- DPyloric sphincter
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Lower esophageal sphincter
Heartburn, sour taste, and regurgitation are classic symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The ileocecal valve separates the small and large intestines; dysfunction can lead to bacterial overgrowth or bowel issues.
- C. The sphincter of Oddi controls the flow of bile and pancreatic secretions into the duodenum; dysfunction causes pain or pancreatitis.
- D. The pyloric sphincter controls stomach emptying into the small intestine; dysfunction causes gastric outlet obstruction or delayed emptying.
Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) Dysfunction
Failure of the LES to close properly allows stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation, known as GERD.
- Located between esophagus and stomach
- Acts as a one-way valve
- Weakness or relaxation leads to acid reflux
Memory trick: Sphincters are the bouncers of the digestive clubs.