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Figure 2.  Normal histologic characteristics of the gallbladder. Photomicrograph (original magnification, x2; hematoxylin-eosin [H-E] stain) shows the mucosa as a single layer of columnar epithelium (solid arrow) with an underlying lamina propria, irregular muscle layer (open arrow), and loose perimuscular connective tissue (_*). Note the absence of a serosa in this section of the gallbladder, which was taken from the hepatic margin.