T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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This section of the small intestine is poorly preserved with most of the epithelium detached from the underlying connective tissue.
The surface area of the small intestine is increased by finger-like projections called villi. Examine a villi in which the epithelium is still attached to the underlying tissue.
The epithelium is a single layer of cells that are taller than they are wide. However, this is difficult to see because this section is cut tangential to the surface of the villi. It passes through adjacent cells resulting in multiple nuclei appearing at different levels.
Surface Absorptive Cells (or enterocytes) - their apical surface has tightly packed microvilli to increase their surface area. This is known as a brush border. The dark line underneath the brush border is the terminal web in which the microvilli are anchored.
Goblet Cells - scattered cells that secrete mucus. The basophilic secretion granules form circular clusters near the apical surface.