VM8054 Veterinary Histology

Tunica Muscularis

Author: Dr. Thomas Caceci

The mixed nature of the tunica muscularis in the esophagus is seen here. While some species (notably dogs and ruminants) have skeletal muscle for the entire length of the esophagus, in most cases the nature of the muscle begins to change about midway down from entirely skeletal muscle to smooth muscle.

This section was taken from the transition zone in a primate esophagus, where both type of fibers exist. Note the very large size disparity between the two types.

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