4-34 Connective tissue

LOOSE CONNECTIVE TISSUE AND DENSE IRREGULAR CONNECTIVE TISSUE
The lining epithelium the intestine is supported by a layer of loose connective tissue. It is formed by many cells and extracellular matrix containing mostly thin collagen fibers. It becomes highlighted in red after using the cursor or clicking on the image.
The connective tissue underlying the lining epithelium of organs of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems is often called the lamina propria. The epithelium and lamina propria together constitute the mucosal layer or simply mucosa of these organs.

Observe under the mucosa a layer of dense, irregular connective tissue that becomes highlighted in light blue. It is formed of a large amount of parallel collagen fibrils and fewer cells than the loose conective tissue.
A thin layer of smooth muscle separates these two connective tissues.

Small intestine. Staining: HE. Magnification: medium.

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