MICROANATOMY (HISTOLOGY) of the ESOPHAGUS, Human 25X - stock photo

MICROANATOMY (HISTOLOGY) of the ESOPHAGUS--MUCOSA, SUBMUCOSA, MUSCULARIS (Muscular Layer), ADVENTITIA, Cross Section, Human, 25X. The Esophagus is lined with NON-KERATINIZED STRATIFIED SQUAMOUS EPITHELIUM which is shown facing the LUMEN. Just under the epithelium is connective tissue that is called Lamina Propria (the epithelium and lamina propria are part of the Mucosa). This image also shows a few esophageal glands that secrete mucus. The Muscular Coat (Muscularis) is the largest portion of the cross section. It includes an inner Circular Layer, and an outer longitudinal Layer of Smooth Muscle (the upper 1/3 of the esophagus contains skeletal muscle). The outermost layer (Adventitia) consists of loose connective tissue.