What should you know about the intestinal mucosa?

Pablo Ramírez
Director of Innovation at Horizon

The intestinal mucosa is the tissue lining the inner surface of the intestine throughout its length. If we unfold it and examine it under a microscope, we’ll see that it’s composed of countless villi, resembling a lawn. Each blade of grass represents a villus, which is coated with microvilli, also referred to as the brush border.

If we zoom in further with our microscope, we’ll see that this intestinal lining is made up of three layers that overlap:

• The epithelium: This is the first line of contact with the intestinal lumen. It’s made up of a single layer of cells primarily responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients and for maintaining the intestinal barrier function.
  
  
• The lamina propria: This is a layer of connective tissue protected by squads of immune cells that monitor, detect and combat invaders, and coordinate the body’s defensive responses.
  
  
• The muscular layer: This is composed of muscle fibres that drive the peristaltic movements of the intestine. Beyond these, there are the submucosa, the muscularis and the serosa.

Thanks to this intricate structure, the intestinal mucosa significantly increases its surface area and, consequently, its functional capabilities.

The main functions of the mucosa

The intestinal mucosa performs many functions. Its primary role is to absorb the nutrients from the foods we eat. Thanks to the digestive enzymes in the stomach, pancreas and the mucosa itself, we can digest and break down food into its most basic nutrients, which are then absorbed by the specialised cells of the epithelium.

But equally important is its defensive function because our mouth serves as a gateway for millions of bacteria, viruses, toxic substances and other unwelcome guests every day. The intestinal mucosa acts as a physical barrier, separating our body’s interior from these intruders, and it’s populated by an army of cells capable of fighting them off with a range of tools: antibodies, enzymes, antimicrobial peptides and other bioactive molecules.

However, many of the microorganisms in the intestine aren’t harmful; instead, they form a tight-knit community that benefits us all. These microorganisms find both shelter and nourishment in the intestinal mucus covering the mucosa, and, in return, help digest some nutrients for us while keeping more problematic microorganisms in check.

And finally, another function that we’re beginning to understand is the mucosa’s multichannel, bidirectional communication with the brain and the rest of the organs in our body to regulate growth, metabolism, immune responses and even our mental health. The intestine has earned the nickname of our second brain and is becoming recognised as a central organ in our health and well-being.

What’s the connection with Horizon?

That’s all for this brief introduction to the complex and wonderful organ that is the essence of our existence.

If you’re interested in learning more about the intestinal mucosa and how we at Horizon valorise porcine intestinal mucosa like never before to produce natural and innovative products that enhance the nutrition and health of people 👫, animals 🐶🐟, and plants 🍇🍆, stay tuned for future #HorizonWorld posts.