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The microscopic anatomy of the esophagus including the individual layers, specialized tissues, and unique components and their responses to injury
Author(s) -
Zhang Xuchen,
Patil Deepa,
Odze Robert D.,
Zhao Lei,
Lisovsky Mikhail,
Guindi Maha,
Riddell Robert,
Bellizzi Andrew,
Yantiss Rhonda K.,
Nalbantoglu Ilke,
Appelman Henry D.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/nyas.13705
Subject(s) - esophagus , anatomy , stomach , pharynx , plexus , medicine , myenteric plexus , sphincter , pathology , immunohistochemistry
Abstract The esophagus, a straight tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach, has the complex architecture common to the rest of the gastrointestinal tract with special differences that relate to its function as a conduit of ingested substances. For instance, it has submucosal glands that are unique and have a specific protective function. It has a squamous lining that exists nowhere else in the gut except the anus and it has a different submucosal nerve plexus when compared to the stomach and intestines. All of the layers of the esophageal wall and the specialized structures including blood and lymphatic vessels and nerves have specific responses to injury. The esophagus also has unique features such as patches of gastric mucosa called inlet patches at the very proximal part and it has a special sphincter mechanism at the most distal aspect. This review covers the normal microscopic anatomy of the esophagus and the patterns of reaction to stress and injury of each layer and each special structure.