Histology-World!

Histology Fact Sheet: Gastrointestinal System

The gastrointestinal tract is a continuous long tube. It is is about nine meters long. The basic histology of
the wall is similar throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract. However, there are distinguishing
characteristics in each region. For example, brunner's glands are found in the duodenum.

When looking at the histology it can be seen that tThe wall of the gastrointestinal tract has four tunics or
layers:

Mucosa

Submucosa

Muscular externa

Serosa or adventitia

Histology slide of the small intestine

Histology slide courtesy of Education Interactive, Histology Photo CD

Mucosa

The mucosa is the innermost layer of the GI tract. The mucosa, or mucous membrane layer, lines the
lumen of the digestive tract.

In certain regions, the mucosa develops folds that increase the surface area. Certain cells in the mucosa
secrete mucus, digestive enzymes, and hormones. Ducts from other glands pass through the mucosa to
the lumen.

Gut associated lymphatic tissue (GALT) is found in the mucosa and sometimes extends into the
submucosa.

Epithelium

The mucosa consists of a lining epithelium, lamina propria and muscularis mucosa. The epithelium is
usually simple columar epithelium. In the anus, where thickness for protection against abrasion is
needed, the epithelium is stratified squamous epithelium. The stomach and intestines have a thin simple
columnar epithelium for secretion and absorption.

Lamina Propria

Lying beneath the epithelium is the lamina propria. This is loose connective tissue. The lamina propria
is part of the mucosa.

Muscularis Mucosa

When looking at the histology it can be seen that bBeneath the lamina propria is a thin layer of smooth
muscle called the muscularis mucosa. Muscularis mucosa is part of the lamina propria.

Submucosa

The submucosa is a thick layer of loose connective tissue deep to the mucosa. The submucosa is
comprised of dense irregular connective tissue. Within the submucosa are blood vessels, lymphatic
vessels and nerve plexuses. Meissner's plexus is located in the submucosa. Glands may also be found in
the submucosa.

Muscularis Externa

The muscularis externa consists of thick layers of smooth muscle. The smooth muscle responsible for
movements of the digestive tract. The muscle is arranged in two layers, an inner circular layer and an
outer longitudinal layer. The myenteric plexus of Auerbach is located in the muscularis externa.The
myenteric plexus is between the two muscle layers.

Serosa/Adventitia

The outer layer of the GI tract is either an adventitia or serosa. The serosa consists of only a single layer
of epithelial cells (mesothelium) and underlying connective tissue. The adventitia is the outer layer of
the GI tract when it is abutting another organ the posterior abdominal wall.

ORAL CAVITY

Pharynx

Teeth

Masticatory Mucosa

Tongue

Innervation

Pharynx

The pharynx is lined by both stratified squamous epithelium and ciliated pseudostratified epithelium
with goblet cells. When examining the histology it can be seen that different regions are lined by a
different type of epithelium. Regions of the pharynx that are likely to be roughened up by food are lined
by stratified squamous epithelium. Other regions of the pharynx are lined by ciliated pseudostratified
epithelium with goblet cells.

Teeth

Calcium is in a mineral structure in bone and tooth enamel called hydroxyapatite. The chemical formula
is [Ca10 (PO4)6(OH)2]

The central portion of a tooth is the pulp cavity. The pulp cavity is surrounded by dentin. Within the pulp
cavity is a soft tissue, called dental pulp. Cementum covers the part of the tooth that is within the jaw.
Enamel covers the part of the tooth within the oral cavity.

Masticatory Mucosaeating after histology test

The masticatory mucosa is located on the hard palate and gingiva.

When examining the histology it can be seen that the surface layer of masticatory mucosa is stratified
squamous epithelium. (Remember, epithelium lines body cavities and covers body surfaces). The
stratified squamous epithelium is keratinized. However, some regions of the masticatory mucosa are
covered with non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and parakeratinized epithelium.
Parakeratinized epithelium is similar to keratinized epithelium, except that in parakeratinized epithelium
cell nuclei are present in the stratum corneum.

When examining the histology it can be seen that tThe layers of the masticatory epithelium are similar
to the layers of the epidermis. The stratum lucidum is not present in the masticatory epithelium.

Lining mucosa is found on the underside of the tongue, lips, cheek, and soft palate.

histology slide of tongue

Salivary Gland
This is a histology slide of a salivary gland (the sublingual gland). The sublingual gland is mixed, with
both mucous and serous cells with the mucous acini predominating. However, in this section there are
only mucous secreting cells. It has a very foamy appearance, which is due to the mucus acini. In the
center is a duct lined by simple cuboidal epithelium

Tongue

The papillae on the tongue are located anteriorly to the sulcus terminalis. The tongue contains primarily
three types of papillae: filiform papillae, circumvallate papillae and fungiform papillae. The filiform
papillae are the smallest and most abundant. Filiform papillae are the only papillae on the tongue which
do not

contain taste buds. Circumvallate papillae large papillae arranged in a "V" shape. Fungiform papillae are
mushroom shaped. Foliate papillae are not well developed in man and are seen on the edges of the
tongue. Taste buds are found on cicumvallate, fungiform, and foliate papillae.
Tongue

This histology slide of tongue shows papilla and smooth muscle. The mucosa is covered with stratified
squamous epithelium, but the details cannot be seen clearly on this slide

Innervation in Oral Cavity

Cranial nerve V (trigeminal nerve) is responsible for general sensation to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue.

Cranial nerve VII (facial nerve) is responsible for taste sensation from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue.

Cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) is responsible for taste sensation from the posterior 1/3 of the
tongue.

Cranial nerve IX is also responsible for general sensation from the posterior 1/3 of

the tongue.

Cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal nerve) innervates the muscles of the tongue thereby eliciting movement
of the tongue.

Histology-World! Histology Fact Sheet-Esophagus

Histology slide of the esophagus.
Histology slide courtesy of Education Interactive, Human Histology Photo CD.

When examining the histology of the esophagus, there are four layers.

Histology of the Mucosa

When looking at the histology it can be seen that tThe mucosa of the esophagus is lined by non-
keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: when looking at a histology slide of the esophagus, look at the
epithelium, and notice the nuclei. Since this is non-keratinized epithelium, nuclei will go to the very top
of the epithelium.

Underneath the non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium is the lamina propria. There is a
muscularis mucosae at the boundary of the mucosa and submucosa.

Histology of the Submucosa

On a histology slide of the submucosa, connective tissue, blood vessels, and mucous glands will be
present.

Histology of the Muscularis Externa

When looking at the histology it can be seen that the muscularis externa of the esophagus is made of
both striated muscle and smooth muscle. The upper third of the esophagus has striated muscle in the
muscularis externa. The lower third of the esophagus has smooth muscle in the muscularis externa. The
middle third is a blend, containing both types of muscle.

Histology of the Adventitia/Serosa

Adventitia is connective tissue that merges with connective tissue of surrounding structures. Some of
the esophagus is covered by a serosa.
Histology of the Esophagus

Mucosa
2. Submucosa
3. Muscularis externa
4. Adventitia/serosa

STOMACH

The folds of the empty stomach are called rugae.

The epithelium on the stomach is lined by mucous surface cells which are a simple columnar epithelium.

Chief cells secrete pepsinogen. Pepsinogen is the precursor for pepsin. Parietal cells are also called
oxyntic cells. They secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. Mucous neck cells contain mucinogen
granules.

1. Serosa
2. Tela subserosa
3. Muscularis
4. Oblique fibers of muscle wall
5. Circular muscle layer
6. Longitudinal muscle layer
7. Submucosa
8. Lamina muscularis mucosae
9. Mucosa
10. Lamina propria
11. Epithelium
12. Gastric glands
13. Gastric pits
14. Villous folds
15. Gastric areas (gastric surface)
LARGE INTESTINE

The modifications of the muscularis externa seen on the large intestine are called teniae coli.

The major cell of the lining epithelium of the large intestine is the columnar absorptive cell.

Goblet cells are most numerous in the large intestine.

SMALL INTESTINE

The small intestine is the primary site for absorption of nutrients.

The lymphatic capillary within a villus of the small intestine is a lacteal.

Microvilli that are seen on the epithelial cells in the small intestine form the brush border or striated
border.

Villi are finger like projections of mucosa seen in the small intestine.

The plicae circulares is a projection with a core of submucosa. The plicae circulares is also called the
valve of Kerckring.

Peyer's patches are large nodules of lymphatic tissue. They are seen in the small intestine.

Brunner's glands are glands in the submucosa of the small intestine.

Histology-World! Histology Fact Sheet-Hepatobiliary System

Liver

The liver performs many, many functions. Estimates range at over 500 different functions for the liver.

The liver receives blood from the hepatic artery and hepatic portal vein. The blood in the hepatic portal
vein is the "first stop" directly from the intestines, giving the liver the prime opportunity to detoxify
substances.

The liver synthesizes proteins such as albumin, fibrinogen, and prothrombin. Fibrinogen (Factor I) and
prothrombin (Factor II) are clotting factors involved in clotting. The liver also makes Factors VII, IX,
and X. Glucose is converted to glycogen in the liver. Glycogen is stored in the liver. The liver stores of
fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Cholesterol is synthesized in the liver. Bile production occurs in the
liver. Bilirubin is metabolized in the liver. The conversion of amino acids to carbohydrates through the
process of deamination occurs in the liver. Iron is stored in the liver as ferritin. Copper is stored in the
liver.

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: If ever asked where a process occurs, and you absolutely have no
idea, make an educated guess of the liver.
 Histology slide of the liver.
Histology image courtesy of Education Interactive Human Histology Photo CD.

Hepatocytes are the liver cells. When looking at the histology it can be seen that the hepatocytes are
arranged to form a liver lobule, which is the functional unit of the liver. The liver lobule is a hexagonal
shaped structure. At the angles of the liver lobule are portal triads. The portal triad is composed of a
branch of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and bile duct. In the middle of the liver lobule is a central vein.
Hepatic sinusoids run between the hepatocytes.

The space of Disse is in the liver. The space of Disse is also called the perisinusoidal space. It is the
space between the liver sinusoids and the hepatocytes.

The space of Mall is also in the liver. The space of Mall is located at the portal canal and is the region
between the connective tissue and the liver parenchymal cells. It is the site where lymph is formed within
the liver.

Macrophages are mononuclear phagocytes. Many tissues have resident (fixed) macrophages. Fixed
macrophages are given a unique name, depending on the tissue that they are located in. Kupffer cells are
the hepatic macrophages.

Once bile is produced by the liver, it is stored in the gallbladder.

Gallbladder

When looking at the histology it can be seen that tThe gallbladder is comprised of three layers: mucosa,
muscularis, and adventita or serosa. Serosa is found on the free surface of the gallbladder. The mucosa is
simple columnar epithelium and lamina propria. There is no muscularis in the mucosa of the gallbladder.
 The mucosa of the gallbladder is made of simple columnar epithelium. Histology hint from Sarah
Bellham: The simple columnar epithelium of the gallbladder is very tall!

Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses are divertiuclae of the mucosa of the gallbladder. The small bile ducts
which connec between the cystic duct and liver are the ducts of Luschka .

The valves which regulates the flow of bile into the small intestine is the sphincter
of Oddi.

histology slide of appendix (labels)

Appendix

The histology slide of the appendix shows plenty of diffuse lymphatic tissue. The histology of the
appendix is very similar to the histology of the large intestine. There is a mucosa, submucosa, and
muscularis externa. The inner circular layer and outer longitudinal layer of the muscularis externa are
apparent on this histology slide.

Gallbladder
All layers of the gallbladder are seen on these histology slides: advenitita, muscularis and mucosa. Simple
columnar epithelium is part of the mucosa. Even at this magnification, you can see how tall the simple
columnar epithelium is. Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: gallbladder has the tallest simple columnar
epithelium in the world!