Large Intestine Slides

In this low-power survey image of the large intestine, the typical organization of the wall of the digestive tract is evident.  At top is the mucosa, with subjacent submucosa overlying the muscularis propria.

A higher-power view of the mucosa shows the lack of villi and the increased numbers of goblet cells in the epithelial lining.  In effect, the mucosa is composed solely of intestinal glands.  Note the thin muscularis mucosae.

A high-magnification view of intestinal epithelium shows the increased numbers of goblet cells and the simple columnar epithelium of a few interspersed absorptive cells.