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Normal·GI·Small intestine

Simple columnar epithelium — small intestine villus

Stain: H&E·Magnification: 40x·Tissue: Simple columnar with microvilli·4 labeled regions
Simple columnar epithelium — small intestine villus histology — GI, Small intestine, H&E
Wikimedia Commons · File:Small intestine low mag.jpg · https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Small_intestine_low_mag.jpg (CC-licensed)
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Description

Tall absorptive enterocytes line the villus surface. Apical brush border (microvilli) maximizes surface area; scattered goblet cells secrete mucin.

Labeled regions (4)

  1. 1
    Enterocyte (absorptive cell)

    Tall columnar with eosinophilic apical border; expresses brush-border disaccharidases.

  2. 2
    Goblet cell

    Mucin-filled apical cytoplasm; PAS-positive. Scattered among enterocytes.

  3. 3
    Brush border (microvilli)

    Actin-based projections; site of disaccharidases (lactase first lost in injury).

  4. 4
    Lamina propria

    Loose connective tissue core of villus; contains capillaries, lacteal, immune cells.

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