Figure 16 - Effects of belching on the UES closure muscles.

Belching was activated by the injection of air (50 mL) into the stomach of a chronically instrumented dog. Note that belching is associated with inhibition of both the TP and CP during the belch. TP, thyropharyngeus, CP, cricopharyngeus; ESO, esophagus 1 cm below CP; L, longitudinally oriented electrodes; C, circularly oriented electrodes.