Video - Esophagus histology

The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the pharynx to the stomach. It has four layers of tissue, which are the mucosa, the submucosa, the muscularis propria, and either the serosa or adventitia.

The mucosa is a thin layer of cells that line the inside of the esophagus, and has glands that secrete mucus that protect the lining of the esophagus and keeps it moist. Beneath lies the submucosa that consists of connective tissue that supports the mucosa, and contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerve endings. Next, lies the muscularis propria consisting of smooth muscle tissue that contracts to move food and liquids through the esophagus. Finally, comes the adventitia, which is the outer layer of the esophagus, which takes the name of serosa in the abdominal cavity after it's covered by the visceral peritoneum.