Question
What’s the cause of Oesophageal obstruction at T4?
| A. |
Cricopharyngeus |
| B. |
Diaphragm |
| C. |
Arch of Aorta |
| D. |
Left bronchus |
|
Correct Answer � C Explanation |
 |
The esophagus has several anatomical constrictions important for foreign body impaction, endoscopy, and radiology. These constrictions occur at:
– C6 – Cricopharyngeus muscle (upper esophageal sphincter)
– T4 – Arch of the aorta crosses & compresses the esophagus
– T5-T6 – Left main bronchus crosses the esophagus
– T10 – Esophageal hiatus in diaphragm
At T4, the arch of the aorta causes esophageal compression, explaining why it’s the correct option.
Incorrect Options:
A. Cricopharyngeus – Located at C6, not T4.
B. Diaphragm – At T10, creating the fourth constriction point.
D. Left bronchus – Crosses esophagus at T5-T6, below T4.