[The digestive function of the supraepithelial mucosal layer of the small intestine]

The results of biochemical estimation of the activity of intestinal proper and pancreatic enzymes in enteral contents, mucous layer and homogenate of small intestine's membrane suggest an important role of supraepithelial mucous layer in actualization of final stages of the food hydrolysis. The term "parietal digestion" is suggested for designation of a sum of hydrolytic processes in the layer of mucus.