EPITHELIUM---SIMPLE COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM lining the SMALL INTESTINE (Ileum) 250X - Foto stock

EPITHELIUM---SIMPLE COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM lining the SMALL INTESTINE (Ileum), 250X. This image shows a single layer of tall columnar cells that are specialized to absorb nutrients from the lumen of the small intestine. Also shown are three GOBLET CELLS that secrete mucus. The image shows the basement membrane and striated border that is composed of microvilli that facilitate absorption. The supporting connective tissue under the epithelium is the Lamina Propria. Desmosomes are also evident-- they help to "weld" adjacent cells at the apical end facing the lumen.