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From Donna Myers MucosaAbout.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by V.K. Gadi, MD
This is a cross section of the colon - the view you'd see if someone were to cut your colon in half.  Illustration by Donna Myers © 2007 The mucosa is the innermost layer of the colon. Major components of the mucosa include a single layer of epithelial cells, a layer of connective tissue (the lamina propria), and a thin muscle layer (the lamina muscularis mucosae). The mucosa is lined with goblet cells, which are glands that secrete mucus to help move material through the colon. When you get a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, it's your mucosa that the doctor's inspecting for polyps. Suggested ReadingAnatomy of the Large IntestineColon Cancer StagesPolyp Size Gallery Updated: February 7, 2007  About.com is accredited by the Health On the Net Foundation, which promotes reliable and trusted online health information. |
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