SMALL INTESTINE showing LAYERS---MUCOSA, SUBMUCOSA, MUSCULAR LAYER, SEROSA and SIMPLE COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM with GOBLET CELLS, 25X - stock photo

SMALL INTESTINE showing LAYERS---MUCOSA, SUBMUCOSA, MUSCULAR LAYER, SEROSA and SIMPLE COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM with GOBLET CELLS, 25X. The VILLI are part of the inner layer of the small intestine, the MUCOSA or Mucous Membrane. The Villi are covered with SIMPLE COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM with many GOBLET CELLS secreting mucus. Below the mucosa is the SUBMUCOSA composed primarily of connective tissue. The next layer is the MUSCULAR LAYER composed of an inner CIRCULAR LAYER of SMOOTH MUSCLE, and an outer LONGITUDINAL LAYER of SMOOTH MUSCLE. The outermost thin layer is the SEROSA or Serous Layer that consists of the VISCERAL PERITONEUM (Simple Squamous Epithelium or Mesothelium. The Serosa secretes a lubricating Serous Fluid. In the lower left hand corner the MESENTERY is the structure that shows its attachment with the small intestine.