In recent years, some taxonomic controversy has occurred over the genus of North American rat snakes. Based on mitochondrial DNA, Utiger et al. (2002) showed that North American rat snakes of the genus Elaphe, along with closely related genera such as Pituophis and Lampropeltis, form a monophyletic group separate from Old World members of the genus.
A pinched nerve is a type of injury or damage to a nerve or a group of nerves. The injury can result from compression, constriction, or stretching. A pinched nerve can lead to other conditions and cause temporary or permanent damage depending on the extent of the injury. pinched nerve is a type of injury or damage to a nerve or a group of nerves. The injury can result from compression, constriction, or stretching. A pinched nerve can lead to other conditions and cause temporary or permanent damage depending on the extent of the injury.
These muscle fibers are called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When this ring of muscle does not close all the way, stomach contents can leak back into the esophagus. This is called reflux or gastroesophageal reflux. Reflux may cause symptoms. Harsh stomach acids can also damage the lining of the esophagus.