Quick Facts
The submucosa is the layer of loose connective tissue between the tunica mucosa and the tunica muscularis in most parts of the digestive, respiratory, urinary, and genital tracts (Dorland, 2011).
Structure/Morphology
The submucosa is composed of a series of layers of irregular dense connective tissue with each layer measuring 0.5-2.0 μm in thickness. There are blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics within these layers. It has raised, jagged projections which form the core of the inner circular folds.
Anatomical Relations
The submucosa is found between the muscularis mucosa and the circular muscular layer.
Function
The submucosa has a variety of functions, which are based on the orientation of its collagenous and elastin fibers. They contribute to the overall structural support and strength, as well as its elasticity. This array of fibers also facilitates the action of peristalsis by enabling movement changes in the transverse and longitudinal dimensions; resulting in a wavelike contraction (Standring, 2016; Pocock, Richards and Richards, 2013).
References
Dorland, W. (2011) Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd edn. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier Saunders.
Pocock, G., Richards, C. D. and Richards, D. A. (2013) Human Physiology. Oxford Core Texts 4 edn.: OUP Oxford.
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edition edn.: Elsevier Limited.
