Light microscopy of the inner lining (mucosa) of the small bowel. The surface consists mainly of fluid-absorbing epithelial cells (blue) and larger mu

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Light microscopy of the inner lining (mucosa) of the small bowel. The surface consists mainly of fluid-absorbing epithelial cells (blue) and larger mucus-secreting goblet cells (red) that together form finger-like extensions called villi. Blind-ending tubular glands called crypts of Lieberkuhn extend deeply between the villi. The villi increase the inner surface area of the bowel for absorptive and secretory functions. Magnification x90 when narrow width printed at 10 cm.

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Size: 3611px × 4890px
Photo credit: © MICROSCAPE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: biological, biology, bowel, cells, crypt, gastrointestinal, goblet, gut, histological, histology, intestine, lieberkuhn, light, micrograph, mucosa, section, small, system, tract, villi