Mucosal membrane

A mucosal membrane (mucosa) lines the lumen of organ systems that open to the exterior of the body (digestive, respiratory and genitourinary). Mucosae are the most highly variable type of membrane, reflecting the diverse functions of the organs in which they are located. A mucosa typically consists of an epithelium, a connective tissue (lamina propria), and a layer of smooth muscle (muscularis mucosae). A mucous membrane is so named because mucus-producing glands frequently secrete onto its surface, providing lubrication. This image shows a section of the small intestine. 100x

A mucosal membrane (mucosa) lines the lumen of organ systems that open to the exterior of the body (digestive, respiratory and genitourinary). Mucosae are the most highly variable type of membrane, reflecting the diverse functions of the organs in which they are located. A mucosa typically consists of an epithelium, a connective tissue (lamina propria), and a layer of smooth muscle (muscularis mucosae). A mucous membrane is so named because mucus-producing glands frequently secrete onto its surface, providing lubrication. This image shows a section of the small intestine. 100x

A mucosal membrane (mucosa) lines the lumen of organ systems that open to the exterior of the body (digestive, respiratory and genitourinary). Mucosae are the most highly variable type of membrane, reflecting the diverse functions of the organs in which they are located. A mucosa typically consists of an epithelium, a connective tissue (lamina propria), and a layer of smooth muscle (muscularis mucosae). A mucous membrane is so named because mucus-producing glands frequently secrete onto its surface, providing lubrication. This image shows a section of the small intestine. 100x

A mucosal membrane (mucosa) lines the lumen of organ systems that open to the exterior of the body (digestive, respiratory and genitourinary). Mucosae are the most highly variable type of membrane, reflecting the diverse functions of the organs in which they are located. A mucosa typically consists of an epithelium, a connective tissue (lamina propria), and a layer of smooth muscle (muscularis mucosae). A mucous membrane is so named because mucus-producing glands frequently secrete onto its surface, providing lubrication. This image shows a section of the small intestine. 100x

This image was taken of a slide from the University of Virginia slide collection.