What is the condition known as Achalasia characterized by?

Achalasia is a condition characterized primarily by the improper innervation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In this disorder, the neurons that normally facilitate the relaxation of the LES are damaged, leading to a failure of the sphincter to open properly during swallowing. As a result, food cannot pass easily from the esophagus into the stomach, leading to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and chest pain.

The improper innervation is typically due to the degeneration of ganglion cells in the myenteric plexus, which controls muscle contractions in the esophagus and the function of the LES. This innervation is essential for coordinating the relaxation of the sphincter during swallowing, and its disruption leads to the hallmark symptoms of achalasia.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for comprehending how achalasia affects esophageal motility and contributes to the clinical presentation of the condition.