{"schema":"https://ver.cy/schemas/card/1.0.0","id":"vr.tr.esophagus","code":"thing-q173710","url":"https://ver.cy/models/thing/q173710/","name":"esophagus","alternateNames":["weasand"],"kind":"thing","status":"published","version":"0.1.0-research.1","language":"en","classifiers":{"family":"Thing Registry","category":"Physical world and living systems","entryKind":"thing","plane":"PHY","domain":["PHY.OBJ"],"industry":[],"navPath":"","tags":[],"facets":{}},"whatItIs":"The esophagus is a muscular, mucosa-lined part of the vertebrate alimentary canal that carries swallowed food from the pharynx toward the stomach, commonly by peristalsis; its boundaries, muscular organisation and mechanisms limiting reflux vary by species, and human sphincter landmarks and the crural diaphragm are not universal vertebrate features.","purpose":"Enable an AI agent to recognise an esophagus, record its structural and functional state, and identify which observations or interventions require further evidence or clinical assessment.","scope":{"in":["Organ identity, anatomical course and boundaries with the pharynx and stomach","Esophageal wall, lumen and segment-specific structural changes","Bolus clearance, muscular coordination and passage through esophageal junctions","Mucosal condition, exposure-related injury and wall integrity","Esophagus-specific observations, prior procedures and constraints on further assessment"],"out":["Oral preparation of food and the complete swallowing sequence","Gastric digestion, storage and emptying","Airway anatomy and pulmonary consequences of aspiration","Whole-person diagnosis, nutrition and treatment planning","Disease-wide staging and management beyond esophageal involvement"],"boundaries":[]},"distinguishingFeatures":["Trace continuity from the pharyngeal outlet toward the stomach; proximity to the airway alone does not establish esophageal identity.","Distinguish it from the trachea by digestive continuity and wall characteristics rather than by tubular appearance.","Separate it from the pharynx using the species-appropriate transition from the shared upper passage to the esophageal conduit.","Separate its distal extent from the stomach using documented junctional landmarks; record disagreement between anatomical, mucosal and functional boundaries.","Identify native esophagus separately from a surgically substituted conduit, even when both occupy the food-transit route."],"structure":{"bundles":[{"id":"identity-and-junctions","name":"Identity and junctions","description":"Establish which anatomical structure is being modeled and where its esophageal extent begins and ends.","layers":[{"id":"organ-context","name":"Organ context","description":"Identify the organism and the esophageal tissue or conduit present.","findings":[{"id":"native-and-altered-esophagus","name":"Native and altered esophagus","description":"Record species, developmental context and any congenital or surgical changes affecting organ identity.","questions":[{"text":"Which organism, species and developmental stage does this esophagus belong to?","id":"native-and-altered-esophagus-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"What evidence identifies the retained native esophagus and any reconstructed or substituted segments?","id":"native-and-altered-esophagus-q02","kind":"provenance"}]}]},{"id":"junctional-boundaries","name":"Junctional boundaries","description":"Distinguish anatomical, mucosal and functional landmarks at each end.","findings":[{"id":"documented-esophageal-extent","name":"Documented esophageal extent","description":"Anchor proximal and distal limits to observable landmarks without assuming different landmark types coincide.","questions":[{"text":"Which landmarks define the transition from pharynx to esophagus in this organism and examination?","id":"documented-esophageal-extent-q01","kind":"boundary"},{"text":"How were the distal anatomical junction, mucosal transition and functional junction located, and do their recorded positions differ?","id":"documented-esophageal-extent-q02","kind":"measurement"}]}]}]},{"id":"lumen-and-wall","name":"Lumen and wall","description":"Describe the esophageal passage, wall and relationships that may alter its shape or continuity.","layers":[{"id":"passage-geometry","name":"Passage geometry","description":"Locate narrowing, dilation and deviations along the conduit.","findings":[{"id":"segmental-luminal-configuration","name":"Segmental luminal configuration","description":"Record the location, extent and examination conditions of changes in caliber or course.","questions":[{"text":"Where are narrowing, dilation or abnormal outpouchings observed, and how far do they extend?","id":"segmental-luminal-configuration-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"What evidence distinguishes an intrinsic luminal or wall change from external compression or a transient contraction?","id":"segmental-luminal-configuration-q02","kind":"definition"}]}]},{"id":"wall-integrity","name":"Wall integrity","description":"Describe wall involvement and any communication beyond the normal lumen.","findings":[{"id":"wall-change-and-breach","name":"Wall change and breach","description":"Record wall abnormalities, their demonstrated depth and evidence for a leak or abnormal communication.","questions":[{"text":"Which wall layers or depths are demonstrably involved, and what examination supports that assessment?","id":"wall-change-and-breach-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Is a wall defect or abnormal communication suspected or demonstrated, and where is it located?","id":"wall-change-and-breach-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]}]},{"id":"bolus-transport","name":"Bolus transport","description":"Characterize propulsion, clearance and opening of the esophageal entry and exit.","layers":[{"id":"esophageal-body-function","name":"Esophageal body function","description":"Relate contraction behavior to observed movement of contents.","findings":[{"id":"contraction-and-clearance","name":"Contraction and clearance","description":"Preserve separate observations of muscular activity and successful bolus transit.","questions":[{"text":"What contraction pattern was measured, using which protocol, posture and interpretive reference?","id":"contraction-and-clearance-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Was clearance complete for the tested bolus, and where did retention or delayed passage occur?","id":"contraction-and-clearance-q02","kind":"measurement"}]}]},{"id":"junctional-passage","name":"Junctional passage","description":"Describe entry and exit opening in relation to esophageal transport.","findings":[{"id":"opening-and-transit-coordination","name":"Opening and transit coordination","description":"Record evidence that junctional behavior permits or limits passage.","questions":[{"text":"What evidence shows whether the proximal and distal junctions open adequately during the tested transit event?","id":"opening-and-transit-coordination-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Can the observed passage limitation be localized to the esophagus, or does its explanation require the pharyngeal or gastric model?","id":"opening-and-transit-coordination-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]}]},{"id":"reflux-and-mucosa","name":"Reflux and mucosa","description":"Record reflux-related function, other luminal exposures and the resulting or independently observed mucosal condition.","layers":[{"id":"exposure-and-barrier-function","name":"Exposure and barrier function","description":"Characterize measured reflux and the esophageal contribution to limiting or clearing it.","findings":[{"id":"documented-reflux-exposure","name":"Documented reflux exposure","description":"Record exposure results with test conditions and relevant junctional anatomy.","questions":[{"text":"What reflux exposure was measured, over what duration and under what medication and activity conditions?","id":"documented-reflux-exposure-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Which observations concern the esophageal junction itself, and which require linked gastric or diaphragmatic anatomy?","id":"documented-reflux-exposure-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]},{"id":"surface-and-tissue-condition","name":"Surface and tissue condition","description":"Locate visible lesions and sampled tissue changes without assigning an unsupported cause.","findings":[{"id":"mucosal-observation-and-sampling","name":"Mucosal observation and sampling","description":"Keep endoscopic appearance, biopsy location and tissue interpretation linked but distinct.","questions":[{"text":"What mucosal abnormalities were observed, and what are their locations and extent?","id":"mucosal-observation-and-sampling-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Which tissue interpretations are supported by samples from documented esophageal sites?","id":"mucosal-observation-and-sampling-q02","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"What additional evidence is needed before attributing the observed injury to reflux or another exposure?","id":"mucosal-observation-and-sampling-q03","kind":"action"}]}]}]},{"id":"assessment-and-intervention-context","name":"Assessment and intervention context","description":"Connect esophageal observations to evidence limits, prior procedures and constraints on further action.","layers":[{"id":"observation-coverage","name":"Observation coverage","description":"Identify what each examination established and what remains unseen or untested.","findings":[{"id":"segment-specific-evidence-limits","name":"Segment-specific evidence limits","description":"Record examination reach, sampling coverage and disagreements between structural and functional findings.","questions":[{"text":"Which esophageal segments were visualized, sampled or functionally tested, and which could not be assessed?","id":"segment-specific-evidence-limits-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"What further assessment could resolve a material disagreement between symptoms, luminal appearance and measured transport?","id":"segment-specific-evidence-limits-q02","kind":"action"}]}]},{"id":"procedure-dependent-state","name":"Procedure-dependent state","description":"Record how prior or proposed procedures relate to the current esophageal configuration.","findings":[{"id":"intervention-relevance-and-follow-up","name":"Intervention relevance and follow-up","description":"Link prior treatment, present structural constraints and the evidence needed for clinician-directed next steps.","questions":[{"text":"Which prior esophageal procedures or retained devices affect the segment being considered for assessment or treatment?","id":"intervention-relevance-and-follow-up-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Which unresolved findings about obstruction, wall integrity or altered anatomy require clinician assessment before further instrumentation?","id":"intervention-relevance-and-follow-up-q02","kind":"action"},{"text":"Which comparable structural or functional observations would establish the response to an intervention?","id":"intervention-relevance-and-follow-up-q03","kind":"measurement"}]}]}]},{"id":"evidence-and-external-alignment","name":"Evidence and external alignment","description":"What the world already says about this thing, gathered so the model can be checked against it.","layers":[{"id":"reported-evidence","name":"Reported evidence","description":"Findings from the breadth pass, kept separate from the structural claims.","findings":[{"id":"evidence-kinds","name":"Kinds and varieties","description":"Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these kinds and varieties hold for the sense of esophagus this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-kinds-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-identifiers","name":"Identifiers and schemes","description":"Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these identifiers and schemes hold for the sense of esophagus this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-identifiers-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-standards-and-regulation","name":"Standards and regulation","description":"Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these standards and regulation hold for the sense of esophagus this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-standards-and-regulation-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-real-world-use","name":"Real-world use","description":"Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these real-world use hold for the sense of esophagus this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-real-world-use-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-measurements","name":"Typical measurements","description":"Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these typical measurements hold for the sense of esophagus this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-measurements-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-failure-modes-and-hazards","name":"Failure modes and hazards","description":"Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these failure modes and hazards hold for the sense of esophagus this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-failure-modes-and-hazards-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-regional-variation","name":"Regional variation","description":"Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these regional variation hold for the sense of esophagus this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-regional-variation-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-neighbours","name":"Neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart","description":"Reported by the breadth pass; each item needs checking against its source before it becomes normative.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart hold for the sense of esophagus this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-neighbours-q01","kind":"provenance"}]}]}]}]},"agentConduct":{"may":["Describe the anatomy and function of the esophagus from medical sources.","Explain common symptoms of esophageal problems and advise seeing a clinician when warning signs appear."],"mustNot":["Diagnose an esophageal condition for a person or tell them to ignore swallowing problems or vomiting blood.","Insert tubes, scopes or devices into the esophagus without a qualified clinician.","Give advice that encourages swallowing hazardous objects or corrosive substances.","Share a person's medical findings about it without consent."],"requiresHuman":["Any clinical decision on feeding tubes, endoscopy or surgery involving the esophagus."]},"ethics":{"considerations":["Swallowing is basic to eating and dignity; disorders that affect it are distressing.","Late diagnosis of esophageal cancer costs lives."],"affectedParties":["Patients","Children who swallow objects","Carers"]},"owners":{"steward":"The person it belongs to; clinicians answer for its care when treated.","roles":[],"masterSystems":[]},"relations":[{"target":"Q112826975","type":"parent","note":"registry parent class"},{"target":"Q4364110","type":"parent","note":"registry parent class"},{"target":"Q66545296","type":"parent","note":"registry parent class"}],"interaction":{"identity":{"applicability":"required","items":["Vercy registry: vr.tr.esophagus","Wikidata: Q173710 (https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q173710)"]},"properties":{"applicability":"required","items":["Biological context: Organism, species and developmental stage","Anatomical configuration: Native, congenitally altered, surgically altered, partly replaced, uncertain","Segment and junction landmarks: Named landmarks with modality, reference point and confidence","Luminal caliber: mm, with segment, method and distension conditions","Wall thickness: mm, with segment, modality and distension conditions","Bolus clearance: Complete, incomplete, absent, indeterminate; qualified by tested material and method","Pressure and contraction behavior: Named protocol-specific metrics with units, posture and reference standard","Mucosal condition: Observed appearance and sampled tissue findings, including unexamined or indeterminate","Reflux exposure: Method-specific exposure duration, percentage of recording time or event count","Wall continuity: No defect demonstrated, suspected defect, demonstrated defect, not assessed"]},"recognition":{"applicability":"required","items":["A collapsible muscular tube behind the windpipe running from the throat to the stomach.","Lined with pale pink smooth mucosa on endoscopic view."]},"capabilities":{"applicability":"required","items":["Locate and compare segment-specific observations across imaging, endoscopy and tissue sampling.","Assess luminal passage and bolus clearance under a documented protocol.","Characterize contraction patterns and junctional opening using appropriately interpreted functional studies.","Record mucosal exposure and injury while distinguishing observations from causal hypotheses.","Identify findings that require clinician review before instrumentation, sampling or treatment.","Track esophageal changes after treatment or reconstruction using comparable observations."]},"hazards":{"applicability":"required","items":["Choking and food impaction, especially in children and older people.","Corrosive injury from swallowed batteries or chemicals.","Reflux damage, bleeding varices and cancer."]},"interfaces":{"applicability":"required","items":["Terminologia Anatomica, maintained by the Federative International Programme for Anatomical Terminology under the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists, standardizes names for the human esophagus and its anatomical parts."]},"context":{"applicability":"required","items":["The esophagus conveys swallowed food and liquid from the pharynx toward the stomach in vertebrates.","It is studied in anatomy and physiology and assessed in clinical or veterinary investigations of swallowing and digestive function.","Its structure is encountered in imaging, endoscopic observations and anatomical specimens."]}},"sources":[{"title":"Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (Elsevier)","url":"","note":"Adult course and relations; cervical, thoracic and abdominal segments; length from cricoid to cardia; distinction from trachea, hypopharynx and stomach."},{"title":"Terminologia Anatomica (FIPAT / International Federation of Associations of Anatomists)","url":"","note":"Official anatomical name oesophagus/esophagus and the TA code for the organ and its named parts."},{"title":"UBERON esophagus class (OBO Foundry / Uberon multi-species anatomy ontology)","url":"http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/UBERON_0001043","note":"Cross-species anatomy identifier UBERON:0001043 and mapping into FMA/TA-style organ identity."},{"title":"MeSH Esophagus (National Library of Medicine)","url":"https://meshb.nlm.nih.gov/record/ui?ui=D004947","note":"Controlled vocabulary identifier D004947 for the organ as a body structure."},{"title":"Wikidata item esophagus (Wikimedia Foundation)","url":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q175021","note":"Public linked-data item Q175021 and outbound identifiers (FMA, MeSH, TA, SNOMED, UBERON)."},{"title":"AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th edition - esophagus and esophagogastric junction (American Joint Committee on Cancer / Springer)","url":"","note":"Oncologic thirds, cervical versus thoracic topography, and EGJ/Siewert-adjacent staging practice."},{"title":"Chicago Classification of esophageal motility disorders, v4.0 (Neurogastroenterology & Motility; ANMS / ESNM)","url":"","note":"Manometric failure modes (achalasia, EGJ outflow obstruction, spasm, absent contractility) and IRP/LES measurement conventions."},{"title":"WHO Classification of Tumours: Digestive System Tumours (IARC / World Health Organization)","url":"","note":"Squamous versus adenocarcinoma as the two dominant epithelial cancers of this organ, and Barrett-related adenocarcinoma."},{"title":"Wikidata item Q173710: esophagus","url":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q173710","note":"identity and sense of the item"},{"title":"Wikipedia: Esophagus","url":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophagus","note":"general description of the item"}],"openQuestions":["Should this registry entry support all organisms with an esophagus, or should the initial model explicitly target human anatomy?","Which anatomical and functional boundary conventions should govern junctions when recorded landmarks disagree?","Which validated reference standards should be adopted for each species, developmental stage and functional testing protocol?","How should replaced conduits and major congenital discontinuities link to the native-esophagus model without obscuring tissue identity?","Which existing Vercy models own swallowing, gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal disease and procedural decision-making, and where should shared observations reside?"],"resources":{"spec":"/models/things/publications/thing-q173710/spec.json"},"provenance":{"origin":"thing registry research (pass 2)","builtFrom":["models/things/publications/thing-q173710/spec.json"],"providers":["Codex","Grok"],"researchStatus":"unreviewed","generatedAt":"2026-09-07T10:19:22Z","builder":"tools/build_cards.py@1.0.0"},"completeness":{"sections":{"classifiers":"filled","whatItIs":"filled","purpose":"filled","distinguishingFeatures":"filled","structure":"filled","agentConduct":"filled","ethics":"filled","owners":"filled","relations":"filled","interaction.identity":"filled","interaction.properties":"filled","interaction.recognition":"filled","interaction.capabilities":"filled","interaction.hazards":"filled","interaction.interfaces":"filled","interaction.context":"filled","sources":"filled"},"notes":{"_gate":"Published through the thing publication gate 1.0 on 2026-10-07T12:16:29+00:00: completeness 1.00; sense: Wikidata description; 5 live sources; review by codex: pass"},"score":1.0}}