The lower esophageal sphincter surrounds the upper opening into the stomach. if this sphincter failed to properly constrict, there might be a problem with view available hint(s) the lower esophageal sphincter surrounds the upper opening into the stomach. if this sphincter failed to properly constrict, there might be a problem with too rapid emptying from the stomach into the small intestine the control of defecation too rapid emptying of the small intestine into the large intestine the movement of swallowed food into the trachea rather than into the esophagus regurgitation of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus, commonly called "heartburn"