Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)

The Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Its main role is to open to allow food and liquids into the stomach, then close tightly to prevent stomach acid and contents from flowing back upward. Proper functioning of the LES is essential for digestion and preventing conditions like acid reflux or heartburn. When the LES doesn’t work properly, it can lead to discomfort and other digestive issues, emphasizing its importance in the digestive process.