Balancing on Sox: Involvement of Sox2 in determination and maintenance of organ identity of the gastrointestinal tract

Histology of the mature gastro-intestinal tract: The gastro-intestinal tract is organized in four distinct layers, which are consistent from mouth to anus. Surrounding the gastro-intestinal lumen is the mucosa, followed by the submucosa, tunica muscularis and serosa. The inner layer of any epithelial-lined hollow organ (e.g., mouth, gut, trachea, lung, etc) is called the mucosa, which itself consists of the epithelium, lamina propria and the muscularis mucosa, which forms the boundary between mucosa and submucosa. The submucosa is a connective tissue layer supporting the mucosa and allows flexibility during peristalsis. It contains a vascular plexus, which gives rise to the capillary bed of the mucosa and also a delicate nerve network, called Meissner’s plexus. The tunica muscularis consists of an inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer. Between the two muscle layers lies the Auerbach’s plexus. Coordinated contraction of these layers is responsible for rhythmic peristalsis. The adventitia or the serosa is the outermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract and has a supportive function.

• View at Worldcat

Free Full Text ( Final Version , 40mb )