Intestinal mucosa
Intestinal Mucosa
The Intestinal Mucosa (pronounced: in-tes-ti-nal mu-co-sa) is the innermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract that comes into direct contact with digested food.
Etymology
The term "Intestinal Mucosa" is derived from two words. "Intestinal" is derived from the Latin word "intestinum" which means "gut", and "Mucosa" is derived from the Latin word "mucus" which means "slime".
Structure
The Intestinal Mucosa is composed of three layers: the epithelium, the lamina propria, and the muscularis mucosae. The epithelium is the innermost layer and is in direct contact with the contents of the gut. The lamina propria is a layer of connective tissue that supports the epithelium and contains the blood vessels and lymphatics. The muscularis mucosae is a thin layer of smooth muscle that separates the mucosa from the submucosa.
Function
The primary function of the Intestinal Mucosa is to facilitate the absorption of nutrients from the gut into the bloodstream. It does this through the action of enterocytes, which are specialized cells that line the epithelium. These cells have microvilli, which are tiny finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption.
The Intestinal Mucosa also plays a crucial role in protecting the body from harmful bacteria and other pathogens. It does this through the production of mucus, which traps pathogens and prevents them from adhering to the epithelium.
Related Terms
- Gastrointestinal Tract: The continuous passage that extends from the mouth to the anus, through which food is processed for digestion and absorption.
- Epithelium: The thin layer of tissue that forms the outermost layer of the skin and some organs, including the intestines.
- Lamina Propria: A thin layer of connective tissue that underlies the epithelium in mucous membranes.
- Muscularis Mucosae: A thin layer of smooth muscle found in most parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Enterocytes: The principal cell type in the intestinal epithelium, responsible for nutrient absorption.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Intestinal mucosa
- Wikipedia's article - Intestinal mucosa
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