Which term describes a narrowing of the esophagus caused by scar tissue?

• A. Scar tissue or damage causing swallowing difficulties
• B. Esophageal structure
• C. Heartburn
• D. Dysphagia

Answer: (B)

Narrowing of the esophagus caused by scar tissue is known as an esophageal stricture. Scar tissue forms after injury or inflammation and can contract, reducing the esophageal lumen and making swallowing difficult. This is a specific anatomical condition, unlike the other options: a description of the process or consequence (scar tissue or damage causing swallowing difficulties); a general term for the esophagus’s structure; heartburn, which is a reflux sensation; or dysphagia, which is the symptom of difficulty swallowing rather than the specific narrowing.