Microvilli Of The Small Intestine
by Dennis Kunkel Microscopy/science Photo Library
Title
Microvilli Of The Small Intestine
Artist
Dennis Kunkel Microscopy/science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Small intestine villus (human), transmission electron micrograph (TEM). Two columnar epithelial cells with microvilli on surface and epithelial glycocalyx. Note the junctional complexes where the cells are connected (terminal bar). Starting from the base of the microvilli the regions are - outer region: Zonula occludens (tight junction) - middle region: Zonula adherens - inner region: macula adherens (desmosome). The small intestine is the part of the gastrointestinal tract between the stomach and the large intestine. It is where most of the digestion and absorption of food takes place, via the villi, which increase its surface area. The villi have an outer epithelial cell layer (columnar epithelial cells) that possess many tiny microvilli. Microvilli are tiny finger-like projections, which increase the surface area available for absorption of nutrients such as lipids, proteins and fat-soluble vitamins. Magnification: x6,480 when shortes axis is 25 mm.
Uploaded
September 13th, 2018
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