Esophageal motility disorders can be categorized based on anatomical localization, neurologic control and muscle type involved. The oropharynx and proximal esophagus are composed of striated muscle and are under central nervous system control. In contrast, the distal esophagus is predominantly composed of smooth muscle and is controlled by the enteric nervous system and vagus nerve via peripheral and central nervous system integration. Recognizing these morphologic and functional differences, this chapter on motility disorders of the esophagus first considers oropharyngeal dysphagia, which includes most physiologic aberrations of the upper esophageal sphincter and proximal esophagus, and then focuses on purely esophageal motor disorders that include considerations mainly relevant to the distal esophagus.