Esophagus (5 question on final)

Question 1

What makes up the surface epithelium of the mucosa?

Answer 1

Stratified squamous epithelium

Question 2

What APCs are found in the surface epithelium of the mucosa?

Answer 2

Langerhans cells (APCs with some phagocytosis possible)

Question 3

Where in the luminal wall can we have Esophageal Cardiac Glands?

Answer 3

In the lamina propria of the mucosa

Question 4

What is the primary tissue type of the lamina propria of the mucosa?

Answer 4

Loose areolar CT

Question 5

In the lamina propria of the mucosa, what is the function of esophageal cardiac glands and where do we find them?

Answer 5

Function: produce neutral mucus to protect esophageal epithelium.

Location: 2 regions

• often near the pharynx: ~1st inch
• near stomach: ~last inch

Question 6

What primarily makes up the submucosa?

Answer 6

Dense fibroelastic CT

Question 7

What glands are found scattered along the length of the submucosa and what is their function?

Answer 7

The submucosa contains esophageal glands (proper).

Their function: produce slightly acidic mucus to lubricate the movement of food.

Question 8

What is the pattern of muscle of the muscularis externa?

What is unique of the muscle in the ME layer?

Answer 8

ME shows the normal pattern of inner circular and outer longitudinal layers.

Unique in transition-
Upper 1/3 = all skeletal m.
Middle 1/3 = mixture of smooth and skeletal m.
Lower 1/3 = all smooth m.

Question 9

Describe the adventitia/serosa layer

Answer 9

Primarily adventitia except the last 1-2 in. = last 1-2 in. (after diaphram) is serosa)

Question 10

What is Barret’s Esophagus?

Answer 10

Stratified squamous epithelium is replaced by mucus-secreting simple columnar epithelium in lower (proximal) esophagus.

This is metaplasia due to a chronic problem.