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The lamina muscularis mucosae in the esophagus (400X)

Microimage
The lamina muscularis mucosae in the esophagus. Image copyright: University of Oslo, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

Why do you think the lamina muscularis mucosae is so thick in the esophagus, and why do we only see smooth muscle cells cut longitudinally?

Lamina muscularis mucosae in the esophagus is extra resilient likely to provide counterforce to the tunica mucosa in connection with a bolus passing. Whan the muscles are contracting, the lamina muscularis mucosae will protect the mucous membrane from overexertion.

There are only longitudinal fibers in this muscle layer, because it is only in the longitudinal direction that it is necessary to protect against overstretching.

Published September 9th 2020, updated October 18th 2021.