Which condition is defined by failure of the cricopharyngeal sphincter to relax?

• A. Foreign Body
• B. Cricopharyngeal Achalasia
• C. Sialocele
• D. Esophageal Neoplasia

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that this condition arises from the upper esophageal sphincter (cricopharyngeus) failing to relax during swallowing. Normally, the cricopharyngeal muscle relaxes to let the bolus pass from the pharynx into the esophagus. When it doesn’t relax, the passage is obstructed, leading to dysphagia for both solids and liquids, and often regurgitation of undigested food or even aspiration. This specific failure to relax is what defines cricopharyngeal achalasia (cricopharyngeal dysfunction).

It’s not a foreign body, which is a physical blockage, nor a salivary gland issue like a sialocele, nor a mass like esophageal neoplasia. Diagnostic findings often show impaired relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter on studies, and treatment aims to reduce the sphincter tone (for example, cricopharyngeal myotomy or botox injections).