Esophageal glands

The esophagus contains two types of mucous glands:

The oesophageal glands proper are compound tubulo-alveolar glands located in the submucosa throughout most of the oesophagus. They secrete mucus that lubricates the lumen, facilitates the passage of food, and protects the mucosa from mechanical abrasion during swallowing.

The esophageal cardiac glands are smaller mucous glands located in the lamina propria at the upper and lower ends of the esophagus. Their secretions provide localized protection to the mucosa, particularly at transitional regions exposed to increased mechanical stress and, at the distal end, potential acid reflux from the stomach.