Page 599 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

Figure 15.8 | Small Intestine: Villi (Longitudinal

and Transverse Section)

Several villi (1) are sectioned in the longitudinal and transverse plane and
illustrated at a higher magnification. The simple columnar surface epithelium

(2) that covers the villi (1) contains mucus-secreting goblet cells (7) and
absorptive cells with brush borders (microvilli) (3). To show mucus, the
section was stained for carbohydrates with the goblet cells (7) staining magenta-
red.

A thin basement membrane (8) is visible between the surface epithelium

(2) and the lamina propria (4) that contains connective tissue cells, collagen
fibers, blood cells, and smooth muscle fibers (5). Also present in each villus
(but not always seen in sections) is a central lacteal (6), a lymphatic vessel lined

with endothelium. Arterioles, venules, and capillaries (9) are also visible in the
villi.

FIGURE 15.8 ■ Small intestine: villi (longitudinal and transverse section).

Stain: periodic acid–Schiff. Medium magnification.

Figure 15.9 | Ultrastructure of Microvilli in

Absorptive Cell in Small Intestine

598