Pathological pharyngo-esophageal interactions.

Because of their normally coordinated function and physical contiguity, the pharynx and esophagus are subject to pathologic interactions in various disease or iatrogenic states. A useful conceptualization of these pathologic interactions is that of abnormal bolus transport. Specific clinical examples are given in which abnormal pharyngo-esophageal interactions appear to result in abnormal bolus transport, with its attendant consequences.