The mucosa is the innermost layer of the digestive tract and is subdivided into three layers: the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. The epithelium varies along the tract, from stratified squamous in the esophagus to simple columnar in the stomach and intestines. The lamina propria, rich in blood vessels and lymphatics, supports nutrient absorption, while the muscularis mucosae aids in local movements to enhance contact with digestive enzymes.
