Editing Esophagus (section)

===Nerve supply===
The esophagus is innervated by the [[vagus nerve]] and the cervical and thoracic [[sympathetic trunk]].<ref name="KUO2006" /> The vagus nerve has a [[parasympathetic nerve|parasympathetic]] function, supplying the muscles of the esophagus and stimulating glandular contraction. Two sets of nerve fibers travel in the vagus nerve to supply the muscles. The upper striated muscle, and upper esophageal sphincter, are supplied by neurons with bodies in the [[nucleus ambiguus]], whereas fibers that supply the smooth muscle and lower esophageal sphincter have bodies situated in the [[dorsal motor nucleus]].<ref name="KUO2006" /> The vagus nerve plays the primary role in initiating [[peristalsis]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Patterson|first=William G.|title=Esophageal peristalsis|journal=GI Motility Online|date=2006|doi=10.1038/gimo13|url=http://www.nature.com/gimo/contents/pt1/full/gimo13.html|access-date=24 May 2014|doi-broken-date=1 November 2024}}</ref> The sympathetic trunk has a [[sympathetic nerve|sympathetic]] function. It may enhance the function of the vagus nerve, increasing peristalsis and glandular activity, and causing sphincter contraction. In addition, sympathetic activation may relax the muscle wall and cause blood vessel constriction.<ref name="KUO2006" /> Sensation along the esophagus is supplied by both nerves, with gross sensation being passed in the vagus nerve and pain passed up the sympathetic trunk.<ref name="GRAYS2005" />