Corpus: Submucosa
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Synonyms: Tela submucosa, tunica submucosa, submucosal connective tissue layer
English:
Definition[Bearbeiten]
The submucosa is a thin layer of connective tissue beneath the actual mucous membrane (mucosa), which occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and urinary tract, among others. It connects the mucosa with the tunica muscularis.
The submucosa corresponds to the subserosa of the serous membranes.
Histology[Bearbeiten]
The submucosa usually consists of loose connective tissue and contains blood and lymph vessels to supply the mucosa, as well as smaller glands and nerve cells. Small parasympathetic ganglia form a submucosal nerve plexus here (Meissner's plexus), which innervates the lamina muscularis mucosae via postganglionic fibres.
The collagen fibres of the submucosa are arranged like a lattice fence in two opposing, interwoven spirals. Their fibre direction is tilted about 30-50 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the intestine.[1]
Recent studies (2018) have shown that the submucosa harbours extensive interstitial fluid reservoirs whose function has not yet been clarified. They probably play a role as balancing spaces in the context of peristalsis.[2]
Clinic[Bearbeiten]
The submucosa plays an important role in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, especially in the removal of intestinal polyps.
Sources[Bearbeiten]
- ↑ Komuro T.: The lattice arrangement of the collagen fibres in the submucosa of the rat small intestine: scanning electron microscopy. Cell Tissue Res. 1988 Jan;251(1):117-21
- ↑ Petros C. Benias et al: Structure and Distribution of an Unrecognised Interstitium in Human Tissues. Nature, Scientific Reports volume 8, Article number: 4947 (2018)