False-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section of human colon, showing the opening to one of many tubular intestinal glands (crypts of l

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False-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section of human colon, showing the opening to one of many tubular intestinal glands (crypts of lieberkuhn) that comprise the colonic mucosa. The gland is surrounded by goblet (mucous-secreting) cells. Underneath the mucosa is a layer of smooth muscle, contraction & relaxation of which propels the contents of the colon towards the rectum. In the colon, absorption of water, sodium, vitamins & other mineral takes place; the watery chyme that enters the colon is reduced to semi-solid faeces. Absorption of certain drugs (anaesthetics, sedatives, steroids & tranquilizers) takes place in the colon. Magnification: X 180 at 35mm size.

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Size: 4903px × 3405px
Photo credit: © PHOTO INSOLITE REALITE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: anatomy, body, cell, colon, crypts, digestive, goblet, gut, human, intestine, large, lieberkuhn, system