Fig. 2: Structural features of the intestinal wall layers. | Cell Death Discovery

Fig. 2: Structural features of the intestinal wall layers.

From: Current understanding of the interplay between extracellular matrix remodelling and gut permeability in health and disease

Fig. 2

The intestine has a highly specialised surface known as the intestinal wall, whose dual function is to avoid tissue infiltration and colonisation by pathogens, while allowing the absorption of nutrients (small intestine), water (large intestine) and ions (both small and large intestine). The intestinal wall is a complex structure comprising four tissue layers: the mucosa directly in contact with the lumen, followed by submucosa, muscularis propria and serosa [133]. This compartmentalisation reflects the different distribution of connective, neural and vascular components. Whilst serosa and muscularis propria are mainly characterised by neural fibres, connective tissue and smooth muscle cells; submucosa and mucosa host, but are not limited to, lymphatic vessels, connective tissue and epithelial cells [134]. Created with Adobe Illustrator.

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