Absence of interstitial cells of Cajal in human colonic muscularis mucosae: Implications for mucosal motility control

The absence of ICC-MM in human colonic muscularis mucosae suggests that mucosal motility relies on direct neural innervation rather than ICC-mediated pacemaker activity. This fundamental difference from other gastrointestinal layers has important implications for understanding functional bowel disorders and may explain the variable efficacy of ICC-targeted therapies in colonic motility disorders. The muscularis mucosae should be considered a distinct therapeutic target that warrants distinct approaches.