BSC 215 Lecture Notes - Lecture 54: Muscular Layer, Muscularis Mucosae, Stratified Squamous Epithelium

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Structure of the Digestive Tract Wall
The digestive tract, from the esophagus to the anus, is characterized by a wall with four
layers, or tunics. The layers are discussed below, from the inside lining of the tract to
the outside lining:
The mucosa is a mucous membrane that lines the inside of the digestive tract
from mouth to anus. Depending on the section of the digestive tract, it protects
the digestive tract wall, secretes substances, and absorbs the end products of
digestion. It is composed of three layers:
o The epithelium is the innermost layer of the mucosa. It is composed of
simple columnar epithelium or stratified squamous epithelium. Also
present are goblet cells and endocrine cells. Goblet cells secrete mucus
that protects the epithelium from digestion, and endocrine cells secrete
hormones into the blood.
o The lamina propria lies outside the epithelium. It is composed of areolar
connective tissue. Blood vessels and lymphatic vessels present in this
layer provide nutrients to the epithelial layer, distribute hormones
produced in the epithelium, and absorb end products of digestion from the
lumen. The lamina propria also contains the mucosaassociated
lymphoid tissue (MALT), nodules of lymphatic tissue bearing
lymphocytes and macrophages that protect the GI tract wall from bacteria
and other pathogens that may be mixed with food.
o The muscularis mucosae, the outer layer of the mucosa, is a thin layer of
smooth muscle responsible for generating local movements. In the
stomach and small intestine, the smooth muscle generates folds that
increase the absorptive surface area of the mucosa.
The submucosa lies outside the mucosa. It consists of areolar connective tissue
containing blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerve fibers.
The muscularis (muscularis externa) is a layer of muscle. In the mouth and
pharynx, it consists of skeletal muscle that aids in swallowing. In the rest of the
digestive tract, it consists of smooth muscle (three layers in the stomach, two
layers in the small and large intestines) and associated nerve fibers. The smooth
muscle is responsible for movement of food by peristalsis and mechanical
digestion by segmentation. In some regions, the circular layer of smooth muscle
enlarges to form sphincters, circular muscles that control the opening and closing
of the lumen (such as between the stomach and small intestine).
The serosa is a serous membrane that covers the muscularis externa of the
digestive tract in the peritoneal cavity. The following is a description of the
various types of serosae associated with the digestive system:
o The adventitia is the serous membrane that lines the muscularis externa
of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, and rectum.
o The visceral peritoneum is the serous membrane that lines the stomach,
large intestine, and small intestine.
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