What type of tissues make up the large intestine?

The large intestine is composed of four layers of tissue:

1. Mucosa: The innermost layer of the large intestine is the mucosa. It is lined with epithelial cells that absorb water and electrolytes, and produce mucus to protect the intestinal lining. The mucosa also contains glands that secrete digestive enzymes and hormones.

2. Submucosa: The submucosa is a layer of connective tissue that lies beneath the mucosa. It contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. The submucosa also contains the Meissner's plexus, a network of nerves that control the muscular movements of the large intestine.

3. Muscularis externa: The muscularis externa is a layer of smooth muscle that lies beneath the submucosa. It is responsible for the peristaltic contractions that move food through the large intestine. The muscularis externa also contains the Auerbach's plexus, a network of nerves that control the overall muscular movements of the large intestine.

4. Serosa: The outermost layer of the large intestine is the serosa. It is a thin layer of connective tissue that covers the muscularis externa. The serosa protects the large intestine from infection and abrasion.