Answer
There are three main functions of the lamina propria
1. Has blood vessels that absorb nutrients
2. Supports mucus epithelium and binds it to the muscularis mucosa
3. Contains so-called MALT tissue that protects against infections.
Work Step by Step
The lamina propria is a layer of areolar connective tissue between the epilthelium and the muscularis mucosae. It has lymphatics and blood vesssels that serve to absorb nutrients. It also has nodules of mucosa associated lymphatic tissue (MALT) that protect against infections.