Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)
Current as of: November 7, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & Peter J. Kahrilas, MD – Gastroenterology
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a ring of muscle that forms a valve at the lower end of the esophagus where it joins the stomach. The LES stays closed except during swallowing, when it allows food to pass from the esophagus into the stomach. When the LES is closed, it prevents the backflow (reflux) of stomach…