LITERATURE The literature on the reflex control of the cardia and lower esophagus is rather meager, in view of the importance of this question in connection with spasms of the cardia and esophagus in man. Most of the work has been done in connection with the deglutition and vomiting acts. It was reported in a previous communication that the cardia and the lower end of the esophagus are provided with motor and inhibitory efferents both via the vagi and the splanchnic nerves.1 We now know that in the swallowing act the vagi efferents are controlled by afferent impulses both from the pharynx (primary peristalsis) and the wall of the esophagus (secondary peristalsis).2 Furthermore, the cardia and the part of the esophagus made up of smooth musculature and Auerbach's nervous plexus are capable of local coordination, that is, local automatism or reflex action, independent of afferent and efferent connections with the