Esophagus: Epithelium
A thick stratified squamous nonkeratinized (moist) epithelium lines the esophagus, providing protection for the organ during food transport. Its moist surface, together with secretions from glands in the lamina propria and submucosa, provide lubrication. The epithelium is not keratinized and nucleated cells remain at the surface of this epithelium. 400x
Epithelium
A thick stratified squamous nonkeratinized (moist) epithelium lines the esophagus, providing protection for the organ during food transport. Its moist surface, together with secretions from glands in the lamina propria and submucosa, provide lubrication. The epithelium is not keratinized and nucleated cells remain at the surface of this epithelium. 400x
Sloughing nucleated cells
A thick stratified squamous nonkeratinized (moist) epithelium lines the esophagus, providing protection for the organ during food transport. Its moist surface, together with secretions from glands in the lamina propria and submucosa, provide lubrication. The epithelium is not keratinized and nucleated cells remain at the surface of this epithelium. 400x
Lamina propria
A thick stratified squamous nonkeratinized (moist) epithelium lines the esophagus, providing protection for the organ during food transport. Its moist surface, together with secretions from glands in the lamina propria and submucosa, provide lubrication. The epithelium is not keratinized and nucleated cells remain at the surface of this epithelium. 400x