Disorders of the Esophagus for the Speech-Language Pathologist

Presented by Michael Groher

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This course will be retired and no longer available as of December 31, 2024. Please complete the course by December 31, 2024, to receive credit.

Video Runtime: 58 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 9 Minutes

This course provides an introduction to esophageal anatomy and function, as well as an introduction to common disorders of the esophagus. Dr. Groher introduces the basics of the anatomy and physiology of the esophagus that are relevant to speech-language pathologists. The participant will also be introduced to relevant disorders of the esophagus, including disorders with structural and motor etiologies. This course will equip the participant to differentiate between multiple disorders of the esophagus based on patient presentation, and will conclude with an interactive activity testing these clinical reasoning skills. This is the first course in a four course series by Dr. Groher. Please make sure to watch:

Pharyngo-Esophageal Relationships
Treatment Approaches to Upper Esophageal Sphincter Disorders

Meet your instructor

Michael Groher

Michael Groher is an emeritus professor of the Department of Communicative Disorders at the University of Redlands in Redlands, California. Dr. Groher has spent most of his career working as a medical speech pathologist in acute and long-term care settings. The majority of his hospital work was done for the Department of…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Esophageal Anatomy and Function

1. Esophageal Anatomy and Function

In this chapter, the participant will learn to describe the basics of the anatomy and physiology of the esophagus, including its neural innervations. The muscles of the esophagus and their mechanics are presented as detailed three-dimensional models.

Esophageal Disorders

2. Esophageal Disorders

Dr. Groher demonstrates how to classify esophageal disorders into either structural or motor etiologies. He then instructs how to differentiate between multiple disorders of the esophagus based on the patient presentation.

Esophageal Disorders Case Study

3. Esophageal Disorders Case Study

Dr. Groher presents the case study of a 62-year-old man with the complaint of solid food dysphagia localized to the throat. Test your knowledge gained from the course as you work your way through this interactive learning activity. Remember to download the worksheet and pause the video to record your answers.

Question and Answer

4. Question and Answer

Dr. Groher discusses disorders of the esophagus with speech-language pathologist Dr. Robert M. Miller.