Considerable controversy persists concerning what is strictly normal or abnormal in the distal esophagus and at the cardia. Should it be possible to have a particular observation generally accepted, subsequent definitions of such entities as hiatus hernia, vestibule (1), or ampulla (2), might be more readily and more accurately derived. Common ground for definitions is needed. Cineradiographic records of 110 unselected fluoroscopic studies of the esophagus were taken from the files and the peristaltic behavior at the cardia was analyzed. The records did not represent an average population distribution. There was a higher than normal percentage of disease, primarily hiatus hernia and lower “esophageal ring” (3–5). There were also patients with varying degrees of tertiary contractions, segmental spasms, or esophageal dysfunction. Carcinoma and stenosis cases contributed little information about peristalsis except that it was absent in the area of involvement. Analysis of each esophageal examination was carried out through projection, single framing, and numerous reshowings when indicated. In demonstration through peristalsis of the esophagogastric junction, it has been important to record the examination as a satisfactory bolus passes freely into the stomach, particularly unencumbered by the “pinchcock” action of the diaphragm. Significant and consistent behavior of the cardia shown in this review warrants presentation of the findings as a preliminary report. The nature of peristalsis at the distal esophagus, as demonstrated by barium progressing toward the stomach, has been such that a marked change in the character of the wave occurs at the junction of esophagus and stomach. It has been observed that a peristaltic wave abruptly diminishes in intensity or terminates completely (Fig. 1) at what appears to be the esophagogastric junction (Fig. 2). In this brief report it has been proposed that certain motility changes reveal the esophagogastric junction in health and disease. The main purpose of this presentation has been to elucidate the phenomenon through cineradiography (6) and to show its helpfulness in determining the anatomic position of the junction of esophageal and gastric musculature. Certain obvious conditions (e.g., hiatus hernia and lower esophageal ring) have been used purely as landmarks to clarify physiologic actions. No attempt has been made at this time to define the relative or absolute norm or to draw a diaphragmatic demarcation above which gastric tissue excursions constitute herniation. More detailed descriptions of esophageal physiology and pathophysiology are left to the future. A method of identifying the esophagogastric junction is the present goal. Common ground for discussion is sought. An incomplete review of the literature has shown that many authorities (7–15) focused their attention on peristaltic behavior in the distal esophagus.