Scanning electron microscope study of the veins at the human esophago-gastric junction.
Cast of the mucosal and submucosal veins of the esophago-gastric junction were studied in five necropsy specimens by scanning electron microscopy to analyse some of the characteristics of their shape and surface. Two types of veins were described: 1) veins with circumscript, fusiform and/or ampullar bulges and relatively smooth surfaces; 2) veins with numerous, small bulges and blister-shaped micro-dilatations. The role of these features is considered in the formation of esophageal varices.
Ferraz-de-Carvalho
C A
CA
Department of Anatomy, São Paulo University, Brazil.
Liberti
E A
EA
Fujimura
I
I
Nogueira
J O
JO
D000328:Adult; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000098:blood supply*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D014680:Veins / Q000648:ultrastructure