Normal·GI·Esophagus
Esophagus — non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium
Stain: H&E·Magnification: 40x·Tissue: Stratified squamous epithelium, non-keratinized·3 labeled regions
Wikimedia Commons · File:Esôfago – HE – 40x.png · https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Es%C3%B4fago_%E2%80%93_HE_%E2%80%93_40x.png (CC-licensed)
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Tough, abrasion-resistant lining of the food conduit. Non-keratinized (unlike epidermis) — surface cells retain nuclei. Barrett esophagus = metaplasia to intestinal-type columnar epithelium from chronic acid reflux (↑ adenocarcinoma risk).
Labeled regions (3)
- 1Surface squames
Flat surface cells RETAIN nuclei (non-keratinized) — distinguishes from epidermis.
- 2Basal layer
Cuboidal mitotically active cells on basement membrane; replenish surface as cells slough.
- 3Lamina propria
Loose CT under epithelium with capillaries + immune cells. Site of esophageal varices in portal HTN.
