What are the key tissues in the gastrointestinal tract?
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is composed of several key tissues, each with distinct histological features:
- Mucosa: The innermost layer, consisting of an epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. - Submucosa: A dense, irregular connective tissue that contains blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves. - Muscularis externa: Comprised of an inner circular and an outer longitudinal layer of smooth muscle. - Serosa: A thin layer of connective tissue covered by mesothelium, found in intraperitoneal organs, or adventitia in retroperitoneal organs.
