Esophagus

The mucosa of the esophagus is lined by a stratified squamous moist epithelium, that provides a protective, moist surface for the passage of food. At this level, the muscularis mucosae forms an incomplete layer, but becomes fully developed in the lower regions.

The mucosa of the esophagus is lined by a stratified squamous moist epithelium, that provides a protective, moist surface for the passage of food. At this level, the muscularis mucosae forms an incomplete layer, but becomes fully developed in the lower regions.

The mucosa of the esophagus is lined by a stratified squamous moist epithelium, that provides a protective, moist surface for the passage of food. At this level, the muscularis mucosae forms an incomplete layer, but becomes fully developed in the lower regions.

The mucosa of the esophagus is lined by a stratified squamous moist epithelium, that provides a protective, moist surface for the passage of food. At this level, the muscularis mucosae forms an incomplete layer, but becomes fully developed in the lower regions.

The submucosa consist of dense, irregular connective tissue and possesses tubulo-acinar esophageal glands. These glands lubricate the esophagus during food transport.

The submucosa consist of dense, irregular connective tissue and possesses tubulo-acinar esophageal glands. These glands lubricate the esophagus during food transport.

The muscularis externa is formed of inner circular and outer longitudinal layers. The myenteric plexus (Auerbach’s plexus), a component of the autonomic nervous system, is located between the muscle layers and innervates the muscle.

The muscularis externa is formed of inner circular and outer longitudinal layers. The myenteric plexus (Auerbach’s plexus), a component of the autonomic nervous system, is located between the muscle layers and innervates the muscle.

For most of its length, the esophagus is attached to the posterior body wall and does not protrude into the thoracic cavity. Thus the outer tunic is an adventitia of connective tissue.