Submucosa
Thin layer of tissue in various organs
General Information | |
---|---|
Latin | tela submucosa |
Greek | |
TA98 | |
TA2 | |
FMA | |
Details | |
System | |
Artery | |
Vein | |
Nerve | |
Lymphatic drainage | |
Precursor | |
Function | |
Identifiers | |
Clinical significance | |
Notes | |
Submucosa is a layer of tissue located between the mucosa and the muscularis externa in the walls of various organs within the digestive tract and other tubular structures of the human body. The submucosa plays a vital role in supporting and nourishing the mucosa while also providing the flexibility and strength necessary for the organ's function.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The submucosa is composed of connective tissue that contains:
- Blood vessels: Supplies nutrients and oxygen to the mucosa and removes waste products.
- Lymphatic vessels: Facilitates the transport of immune cells and interstitial fluid.
- Nerves: Forms the submucosal plexus (or Meissner's plexus), part of the enteric nervous system, which regulates secretory and motor functions of the mucosa.
- Glands: In some regions, such as the esophagus and duodenum, the submucosa contains exocrine glands that secrete mucus or enzymes.
The connective tissue of the submucosa is primarily composed of collagen and elastin fibers, giving it both strength and elasticity. This allows organs to stretch and accommodate changes in volume during physiological processes like digestion.
Location in the Digestive System[edit | edit source]
The submucosa is a prominent feature in many parts of the gastrointestinal tract:
- Esophagus: Contains mucus-secreting esophageal glands that aid in lubricating the passage of food.
- Stomach: Supports the mucosa, which contains gastric glands responsible for secreting digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid.
- Small intestine: Contains Brunner's glands in the duodenum, which secrete alkaline mucus to neutralize gastric acid and protect the intestinal lining.
- Large intestine: Provides structural support for the mucosa and helps facilitate the absorption and transport of fluids and nutrients.
Submucosal Plexus[edit | edit source]
The submucosal plexus (also known as Meissner's plexus) is a network of nerve fibers and ganglia located within the submucosa. It is part of the enteric nervous system and plays a critical role in:
- Regulating local blood flow.
- Controlling glandular secretions.
- Coordinating mucosal and submucosal movements.
The submucosal plexus works in conjunction with the myenteric plexus (located in the muscularis externa) to ensure proper coordination of digestive functions.
Functions[edit | edit source]
The submucosa serves several essential functions:
- Support: Provides structural integrity to the mucosa and underlying muscular layers.
- Nutrient supply: Delivers blood and nutrients to the mucosa via its vascular network.
- Immune defense: Houses lymphatic vessels and contributes to the immune response in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Flexibility and elasticity: Accommodates the stretching and contraction of organs during digestion and other physiological processes.
- Neural regulation: Facilitates communication between the mucosa and muscularis externa through the submucosal plexus.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Abnormalities or damage to the submucosa can lead to a variety of medical conditions:
- Submucosal fibrosis: A condition characterized by excessive deposition of fibrous tissue, which can impair the elasticity of the organ.
- Cancer: Certain gastrointestinal cancers may invade the submucosa, which can serve as an indicator of the disease's stage and progression.
- Inflammation: Disorders like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may involve the submucosa, leading to pain, swelling, and disruption of normal function.
- Peptic ulcer disease: Ulcers that penetrate through the mucosa may reach the submucosa, causing damage to blood vessels and nerve fibers.
Associated Pathologies[edit | edit source]
Specific pathologies related to the submucosa include:
- Barrett's esophagus: A condition where chronic acid reflux causes metaplasia of the esophageal lining, potentially affecting the submucosa.
- Diverticulosis: Involves herniation of the mucosa and submucosa through the muscularis externa, forming pouches in the colon.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): Tumors that may arise from the connective tissue elements of the submucosa.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
Section of the human esophagus. Moderately magnified.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Submucosa Resources | |
---|---|
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD