Synonyms
Esophageal squamous-columnar junction
Definition
The Z-line or squamous-columnar junction (SCJ) is the point of the esophagus where the stratified squamous esophageal lining meets the columnar epithelium (Spechler 2004). The esophagus is normally lined by a stratified squamous epithelium, whereas the gastric body and fundus exhibit a columnar lining with abundant mucous cells at the foveolar surface and numerous parietal and chief cells at the deep glands. These two types of epithelia normally meet together in an abrupt transition that is endoscopically and histologically recognized. Though the Z-line or SCJ is a very well-defined anatomical structure, its precise anatomical location and histological features are still disputed.
Clinical Features
Incidence
Not applicable.
Age
Not applicable.
Sex
Not applicable.
Site
The Z-line is located at the body of the esophagus.
Treatment
Not applicable.
Outcome
Not applicable.
Macroscopy
The Z-line or SCJ may or may not be coincident...
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References and Further Reading
Chandrasoma, P. T., Deer, R., Dalton, P., et al. (2001). Distribution and significance of epithelial types in columnar-lined esophagus. The American Journal of Surgical Pathology, 25, 1188–1193.
Hayward, J. (1961). The lower end of the oesophagus. Thorax, 16, 36–41.
Paull, A., Trier, J. S., Dalson, M. D., et al. (1976). The histologic spectrum of Barrett’s esophagus. The New England Journal of Medicine, 295, 476–480.
Spechler, J. S. (2004). Intestinal metaplasia at the gastroesophageal junction. Gastroenterology, 126, 567–575.
Wallner, B., Sylvan, A., Stenling, R., & Janunger, K. G. (2000). The esophageal Z-line appearance correlates to the prevalence of intestinal metaplasia. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 35, 17–22.
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Chaves, P., Pereira, A.D. (2017). Esophageal Squamous Columnar Junction. In: Carneiro, F., Chaves, P., Ensari, A. (eds) Pathology of the Gastrointestinal Tract. Encyclopedia of Pathology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40560-5_1694
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40560-5_1694
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