Virtual microscopy
ESOPHAGUS
Image: transverse section of the esophagus of a rabbit, stained with Mallory's trichrome.
Epithelium: it is squamous stratified epithelium. The epithelium lines the luminal surface of the esophagus and, together with the lamina propria, forms the mucosa. In some species, this epithelium shows a stratum corneum.
Lámina propria: it is a layer of loose connective tissue just below the epithelium. It also contains a thin layer of smooth muscle that constitutes the muscularis of the mucosa. The epithelium and lamina propria form the mucosa.
Muscularis mucosa: it is a layer of smooth muscle in the deeper part of the mucosa.
Submucosa: it is a layer of connective tissue found between the mucosa and the muscularis. It contains many blood vessels.
Muscularis: it is found just below the submucosa. The muscularis is formed by two layers of muscle cells, one with the cells oriented longitudinally and the other witch cells oriented circularly. In the upper part of the esophagus, the muscle cells are striated. However, as we get close to the stomach, the muscle cells are smooth. Striated muscle cells can be observed in this image.
Adventitia: it is the deeper part of the esophagus. It is a layer of connective tissue.