Covers the histological structure of the appendix, moving through its four gastrointestinal wall layers from the mucosa outward. It describes the epithelium, including enterocytes and micro-fold cells, then the lamina propria packed with lymphoid nodules and immune cells such as plasma cells, lymphocytes and eosinophils. It also notes the sparse crypts, the nodules extending into the submucosa, the two smooth muscle layers, and the outer serosa.
Topic 17 of 17 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Histology (Medicine, Year 2). The free AceMed note covers it in 1 section, about 146 words (1 min of reading), with 14 flashcards.
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Introduction
Introduction
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This appendix has abundant lymphoid tissue. There are very few crypts and the lamina propria is the dominant feature of the mucosa.
The appendix is composed of the four layers characteristic of the gastrointestinal tract.
(or mucous membrane)
Epithelium - neither villi nor plicae circularis are present.
(or Micro-Fold Cells) - cover nodules and have a lower profile than absorptive cells (small folds on their surface versus microvilli on absorptive cells).
- secrete mucus for lubrication.
- very few in number.
- comprises almost the entire mucosa.
Nodules (, , and ) fill the lamina propria.
Plasma cells, lymphocytes, eosinophils and macrophages are present (, and ).
- nodules may extend into the submucosa..
- two orthogonal layers of smooth muscle (inner circular and outer longitudinal).
- covers the outer surface of the appendix.
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