LARGE INTESTINE---MUCOSA (with many GOBLET CELLS) SUBMUCOSA, MUSCULARIS and SEROSA 10X - stock photo

LARGE INTESTINE---MUCOSA (with many GOBLET CELLS), SUBMUCOSA, MUSCULARIS and SEROSA. 10X The Mucosa (purple) or mucous membrane is the inner lining of the large intestine, and has large numbers of GOBLET CELLS (mucous secreting cells) shown as small, clear ovals. The mucosa is composed of simple columnar epithelium and also shows invaginations called COLONIC CRYPTS which open into the lumen. The large intestine does not have villi like the small intestine. The Submucosa is immediately below the mucosa and has a large amount of fibrous connective tissue. The Muscularis consists of a thicker Circular Layer of smooth muscle and a thinner Longitudinal Layer of smooth muscle. The thin outer coat or layer of the large intestine is the Serosa.