The table below describes the functions of the 4 layers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract:
| Layer | Notes |
|---|
| Mucosa | Can be further subdivided into:
- epithelium
- lamina propria
- muscularis mucosae
|
| Submucosa | Contains Meissner's (submucosal) plexus - primarily secretion and blood flow |
| Muscularis externa | Contains Auerbach's (myenteric) plexus - primarily controls motility of GI smooth muscle |
| Serosa / adventitia | Intraperitoneal = serosa
Retroperitoneal = adventitia |
Diagram showing the main layers of the gastrointestinal tract
