Histological aspects of the esophagus in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Abstract

The aim of this study is the detailed description of the esophageal microscopic structure in guinea pigs. Fragments from the cervical, thoracic and abdominal segments of the esophagus were processed for classical paraffin embedding and the sections were stained by hematoxylin-eosin and Goldner’s trichrome methods. The esophagus in guinea pigs is lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and there are no glands in the lamina propria and the submucosa. The muscularis mucosae is formed by smooth muscle cells disposed longitudinally. The muscularis externa is formed by striated muscle cells disposed on 3 layers in the first 2 thirds of the esophagus, while in some regions of the abdominal segment’s circumference, the cells form 4 layers.