Answer: The digestive tract or gastointestinal tract or GI tract contains four layers called (i) Mucosa- the innermost layer (ii) Sub-mucosa- the underneath layer of mucosa (iii) Muscularis mucosa- this layer is followed by sub-mucosa (iv) Adventina- the outermost layer. Detail of the layer Mucosa: STRUCTURE & FUNCTION Mucosal layer consist of three layers: (i) The epithelium (ii) The lamina propia (iii) The muscularis mucosa The epithelium is the innermost layer of the mucosa and composed of simple columnar epithelium or stratified squamous epithelium, goblet cells and endocrine cells. Goblet cells secrete mucus that protects the epithelium from digestion. The lamina propria lies outside the epithelium and composed of areolar connective tissue. Blood vessels and lymphatic vessels present in this layer provide nutrients to the epithelial layer. It contains the mucosaassociated lymphoid tissue (MALT), nodules of lymphatic tissue bearing lymphocytes and macrophages that protect the GI tract wall from bacteria and other pathogens. The muscularis mucosae is the outer layer of the mucosa. It is a thin layer of smooth muscle responsible for generating local movements. In the stomach and small intestine, the smooth muscle generates folds that increase the absorptive surface area of the mucosa. Important points: Solution Answer: The digestive tract or gastointestinal tract or GI tract contains four layers called (i) Mucosa- the innermost layer (ii) Sub-mucosa- the underneath layer of mucosa (iii) Muscularis mucosa- this layer is followed by sub-mucosa (iv) Adventina- the outermost layer. Detail of the layer Mucosa: STRUCTURE & FUNCTION Mucosal layer consist of three layers: (i) The epithelium (ii) The lamina propia (iii) The muscularis mucosa The epithelium is the innermost layer of the mucosa and composed of simple columnar epithelium or stratified squamous epithelium, goblet cells and endocrine cells. Goblet cells secrete mucus that protects the epithelium from digestion. The lamina propria lies outside the epithelium and composed of areolar connective tissue. Blood vessels and lymphatic vessels present in this layer provide nutrients to the epithelial layer. It contains the mucosaassociated lymphoid tissue (MALT), nodules of lymphatic tissue bearing lymphocytes and macrophages that protect the GI tract wall from bacteria and other pathogens. The muscularis mucosae is the outer layer of the mucosa. It is a thin layer of smooth muscle responsible for generating local movements. In the stomach and small intestine, the smooth muscle generates folds that increase the absorptive surface area of the mucosa. Important points:.