Findings

This high-power view of the muscularis propria from the midesophagus illustrates the presence of both smooth and visceral striated (skeletal) muscle fibers.

Comment

The presence of visceral striated muscle indicates that there is a voluntary component to swallowing.

Preparation

Paraffin section, hematoxylin and eosin

View

High-power light microscopy

Specimen

Esophagus

Image Credit

Katsumi M. Miyai, M.D., Ph.D
Department of Pathology
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego