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.