Intestinal epithelium

Intestinal epithelium is the layer of cells that forms the luminal surface or lining of both the small intestine and the large intestine (colon) of the gastrointestinal tract. It is composed of simple columnar epithelium.

Structure

The intestinal epithelium is composed of a variety of cell types. These include enterocytes, goblet cells, Paneth cells, neuroendocrine cells, and stem cells. Each of these cell types plays a unique role in the function of the intestinal epithelium.

Enterocytes

Enterocytes are the most abundant cell type in the intestinal epithelium. They are responsible for the absorption of nutrients from the lumen of the intestine.

Goblet cells

Goblet cells are responsible for the production and maintenance of a protective mucus layer. This mucus layer serves as a physical barrier that separates the intestinal epithelium from potentially harmful substances in the gut lumen.

Paneth cells

Paneth cells are located at the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn. They secrete antimicrobial peptides, contributing to the maintenance of gut homeostasis.

Neuroendocrine cells

Neuroendocrine cells in the intestinal epithelium are part of the enteric nervous system and play a role in the regulation of gut motility and secretion.

Stem cells

Stem cells in the intestinal epithelium are responsible for the continuous renewal of the epithelium. They are located at the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn.

Function

The primary function of the intestinal epithelium is to absorb nutrients from the gut lumen. In addition, it serves as a barrier that separates the gut lumen from the rest of the body, protecting against the invasion of pathogens.

Clinical significance

Damage to the intestinal epithelium can lead to a variety of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and colorectal cancer.

See also

• Gastrointestinal tract
• Epithelium
• Small intestine
• Large intestine