Anatomical Relationships of the Esophagus

Position and Blood Supply

• The cervical esophagus lies predominantly to the left of the midline, not to the right, and its position relative to the cricoid ring shows that in 50% of subjects, the esophagus sits posterolateral to the cricoid ring, mainly on the left side 1, 2, 3
• The abdominal esophagus receives its blood supply primarily from branches of the left gastric artery 7
• The cervical esophagus is supplied by the inferior thyroid artery 5, 6

Nerve Relationships and Clinical Significance

• The left vagus nerve passes anterior to the esophagus, while the right vagus nerve passes posterior to the esophagus 5
• Understanding the correct anatomical relationships is crucial for surgical approaches to the esophagus 5, 6