MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE ESOPHAGUS IN NORM AND IN PATHOLOGY

The article presents the morphological features of the esophagus, including submucosal and cardiac glands that perform a specific protective function, stratified squamous non -keratinized epithelium, impermeable to intraluminal nutrition, submucosal nerve plexus, areas of mucous gland heterotopy penetrating into the proximal alimentary esophagus, gastroesophageal junction and lower digestive tract sphincter. Characteristic patterns of manifestation of aggressive environmental factors are described, as well as inflammation of the esophageal mucosa, such as lymphocytic esophagitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, IgG4-associated esophagitis.