Digestive mucosa is the innermost layer of tissue of the digestive system. This membrane has such functions as the secretion of hormones and digestive enzymes, absorption of products produced during digestion, and protection of organs against infections. Mucosa also protects organs from being digested by the enzymes they produce. In simple terms, the mucosa is the layer that helps digest food, protects organs from infections, and the impact of the secreted enzymes. Mucus secreted by mucosa moisturizes food, which makes it easier for food to move inside the organs of the digestive system.
The structure and function of this membrane of different digestive organs differ. For instance, the mucosa of the esophagus has a single layer of epithelial cells. This structure is instrumental in enabling the organ to complete its major function, moving food. However, these cells are arranged in several layers in the stomach and intestine. Epithelial cells are arranged in one layer in the esophagus. The epithelium consists of cells that secrete mucus. Mucosa also consists of muscle tissue. This layer of cells helps the food go through the digestive system. Stomach mucosa has such layers as gastric pits and glands. The membrane secretes enzymes that start absorbing some elements of the consumed food. It also protects the stomach from being digested. The mucosa in the small intestine and colon performs both roles mentioned above. The enzymes are secreted to make the food move further and digest some types of foods.
Mucosa helps the organs of the digestive system absorb nutrients and move the food to other organs of the system. In simple terms, this membrane enables the organs mentioned above to perform their roles in the digestive process. For example, the major role of the esophagus is to transport food from mouth to stomach. Epithelial cells of mucosa secrete mucus that moisturizes food and makes it easier to move further. The muscular tissue also helps the membrane push the food. The major role of the stomach in the digestion of the major part of nutrients. Mucosa enables this organ to perform its role. For example, epithelial cells secrete enzymes that facilitate the digestive process. Mucosa also consists of glands and pits that participate in the process of secretion of various enzymes.
The muscular tissue of mucosa moves the food from the stomach to the intestine. Therefore, mucosa contributes to the accomplishment of this role as well. The stomach is only one of the organs where food is digested, so the stomach should have tools to move food. The small intestine and colon are organs where the digestive processes are the most effective. The food is also transported from the small intestine to the colon. Muscular tissues of mucosa take part in this process. Epithelial cells secrete enzymes that digest food. Hence, mucosa helps organs complete their functions. It is also necessary to add that elements secreted by mucosa protect organs, which also enables them to fulfill their major functions. If the protection was less effective, the digestive organs would digest themselves.
In conclusion, it is necessary to note that mucosa is the innermost layer of the digestive organs. This membrane fulfills three major roles: the secretion of enzymes to digest food, secretion of mucus that makes the food move through the digestive system, protection from enzymes and infections. The structure and function of mucosa enable organs of the digestive system to complete their functions, digest food and transport it through the system.