concept

Mouse colon infected with Citrobacter rodentium

A single enteropathogenic E. coli in the intestine

Human small intestine showing villi and glands. The cytokeratinin the cells is stained blue, the cell nuclei are stained red and the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels are stained green.

Neuroendocrine cells in the small intestine

Goblet cells are packed full of mucous globules (blue), which they release to provide lubrication and protection to the inner surfaces of the intestine and the respiratory system among others. The mucous globules are condensed inside the goblet cell but expand hugely once they are released, absorbing water within 20 milliseconds. This rapid release occurs in response to lots of different stimuli and allows the mucous to get to work instantly.

Human small intestine showing villi. The cytokeratinin the cells is stained blue, the cell nuclei are stained red and the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels are stained green.

Human small intestine showing the columnar epithelium. The cytokeratinin the cells is stained blue, the cell nuclei are stained red and the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels are stained green.

Villi in the small intestine

Intestinal villi

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Intestinal villi

Villi in the small intestine

Human small intestine showing villi and glands. The cytokeratinin the cells is stained blue, the cell nuclei are stained red and the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels are stained green.

Mouse colon infected with Citrobacter rodentium

Human small intestine showing the columnar epithelium. The cytokeratinin the cells is stained blue, the cell nuclei are stained red and the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels are stained green.