Studies have been done to examine the gut-tissues of germ-free mice and found that the absence of microbes gave rise to an underdeveloped and sparse mucosal immune system.
Silver nitrate, sometimes used for pain relief from aphthous ulceration, acts as a chemical cauterant and destroys nerve endings, but the mucosal damage is increased.
Many sources differentiate between internal rectal intussusception and mucosal prolapse, implying that the former is a full thickness prolapse of rectal wall.