3010 Highland Parkway Suite 550
Downers Grove, IL
60515

Phone: 630-724-1100
Fax: 630-724-0084
info@bastianvoice.com

Glossary

Note: Within a definition, words in italics are defined elsewhere in the glossary. Words beginning with * were coined or brought into the language of voice disorders by Dr. Bastian, or to our knowledge are used primarily by BVI physicians and Bastian-trained fellows. Please note that we may be adding terms to this list from time to time. Copyright © 2008 Bastian Voice Institute.

Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD): An outpouching or in effect a hernia of the swallowing passage just above a non-relaxing cricopharyngeus muscle or upper esophageal sphincter (UES). In essence, the forces of swallowing are delivered against a somewhat unyielding muscle, and this causes the wall of the swallowing passage just above the UES to balloon outward. Though unknown to many, the ZD is only the reflection of the main problem, which is cricopharyngeus dysfunction. Myotomy of the cricopharyngeus muscle tends to resolve symptoms, even though the ZD is left in place and not removed.