Esophagus, epithelium and connective tissue

Nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium and loose connective tissue comprise the esophageal mucosa.  

Note cells sloughing off from the free (outer) surface of the epithelial tissue layer.

The epithelium is supported by loose connective tissue.

The loose connective tissue of a mucosa is called lamina propria, and typically has a fairly high proportion of cells with immune function.

At the base of the mucosa, between the lamina propria and the underlying connective tissue of the submucosa, is a layer of smooth muscle called the muscularis mucosae.

Comments and questions: dgking@siu.edu

SIUC / School of Medicine / Anatomy / David King

https://histology.siu.edu/intro/GI006c.htm
Last updated:  17 July 2022 / dgk