What does the term 'simple esophageal atresia' refer to?

The term 'simple esophageal atresia' specifically refers to a congenital condition where the esophagus ends in a blind pouch and is often associated with a tracheoesophageal fistula. This means that the esophagus does not form a complete passage to the stomach, resulting in a blind end. In many cases, there is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea, which can lead to serious complications, such as aspiration and feeding difficulties.

This option captures the essence of the condition where the esophagus is not fully developed and implies the existence of a connection to the trachea, which is critical for understanding the physiology and potential complications associated with this anomaly.