What histology changes takes place at the gastroesophageal junction?

Histology@Yale At this point, there is a shift from the stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus to the simple columnar epithelium of the stomach. Damage to the esophageal epithelium can cause metaplasia of these cells, known as Barrett’s Esophagus. This will be discussed in detail in the Pathological Examples.

What type of tissue is the gastroesophageal junction?

Stratified squamous epithelium
Stratified squamous epithelium is consistent with the mechanical function of the esophagus, as it is protective against abrasion from a bolus of food moving through the narrow esophageal lumen.

What are the histological features of the esophageal wall?

Structurally, the esophageal wall is composed of four layers: innermost mucosa, submucosa, muscularis propria, and adventitia. Unlike the remainder of the GI tract, the esophagus has no serosa. On endoscopy, the esophageal lumen appears as a smooth, pale pink tube with visible submucosal blood vessels.

What lining epithelia are found at the gastroesophageal junction?

At the gastroesophageal junction, the stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus changes abruptly into a single layer of columnar cells. These invaginate into the underlying lamina propria to form the gastric pits or foveolae, lined with mucin-producing cells.

How do you identify gastroesophageal junction?

The location of GEJ is approximated by the most proximal extent of the gastric folds [3]. In Asia, this is determined by locating the distal extent of palisade of longitudinal veins [4–6]. The squamocolumnar junction (SCJ), also known as the Z-line, is the junction of the squamous mucosa and columnar mucosa.

What does a normal gastroesophageal junction look like?

The mucosa of the normal esophagus is composed of squamous cells similar to those of the skin or mouth. The normal squamous mucosal surface appears whitish-pink in color, contrasting sharply with the salmon pink to red appearance of the gastric mucosa, which is composed of columnar cells.

Where is the gastroesophageal junction located?

The place where the esophagus is connected to the stomach.

What are the 4 major histological layers of the digestive system?

Four-layered (mucosa, submucosa, muscularis mucosa, and serosa) organization of the digestive tract.

What is the function of the gastroesophageal junction?

The gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) regulates the flow of food and fluid between the esophagus and the stomach and is the key defense against gastroesophageal reflux.

What is the histology of esophagus?

Esophageal epithelium is non-keratinized stratified squamous. Note that the basal surface of the epithelium can be deeply indented by connective tissue papillae. In oblique section through the epithelium, the connective tissue papillae can look like “islands,” apparently surrounded by epithelium.

What type of epithelium is found in the esophagus?

(B) The human esophageal epithelium is nonkeratinized stratified squamous and comprises many cell layers.