Crossword-Solution: HIATAL 6 letters, 8 clues 🏆 scrabble score: 9

The peculiar arrangement of the tendinous and muscular structure of the diaphragm acts on this hiatal opening in a sphincter-like fashion.

The author has called the hiatal closure the "diaphragmatic pinchcock." _Direction of the Esophagus_.--The esophagus enters the chest in a decidedly backward as well as downward direction, parallel to that of the trachea, following the curves of the cervical and upper dorsal spine.

The intrinsic movements of the esophagus are involuntary muscular contractions, as in deglutition and regurgitation; spasmodic, the latter usually having some pathologic cause; and tonic, as the normal hiatal closure, in the author's opinion may be considered.

When the tube mouth is centered over the hiatal constriction moderately firm pressure continued for a short time will cause it to yield.

Passing the cricopharyngeal and hiatal spasmodically contracted narrowings will prove the most trying part of esophagoscopy; but with the head properly held, and the tube properly placed and directed, patient waiting for relaxation of the spasm with gentle continuous pressure will usually expose the lumen ahead.