Fig 1. 93W6748 Esophagus, middle portion, human, H&E.
The portion of the alimentary canal that extends from the
proximal part of the esophagus to the distal part of the anal
canal is a hollow tube of varying diameter. This tube has the
same basic structural organization throughout its length. Its wall
is formed by four distinctive layers. From the lumen outward,
they are mucosa (M), submucosa (S), muscularis externa
(ME) and adventitia (or serosa). Adventitia or serosa
constitutes the outermost layer of the alimentary canal. The
adventitia (A) consists of loose connective tissue containing the
major vessels (V) and nerves. However, the serosa is a serous
membrane consisting of a layer of simple squamous epithelium,
called the mesothelium, and a small amount of underlying
connective tissue.