T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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Mucosal surface of the small intestine (SEM). Villi are one of the specializations for increasing the surface area in the small intestine for absorption.
Villi and microvilli increase the absorptive surface area by around 30-fold and 600-fold, respectively.
Villi (blue) - evaginations of the intestinal epithelium (0.5 to 1.6 mm in length)
Lamina Propria (yellow) - loose connective tissue that supports the epithelium and maintains the shape of the villi
Lumens of intestinal crypts are visible
Muscularis Mucosae (not visible) - thin layer of smooth muscle that separates the mucosa from the underlying submucosa
Submucosa (purple) - dense irregular connective tissue that supports the mucosa (mucous membrane)
(The mucosa (or mucous membrane) is defined as the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae.)