Intestinal Epithelial Cells

The intestinal epithelium consists of several specialized cell types:

1. Enterocytes (small intestine) or colonocytes (colon): The most numerous cell type, primarily responsible for nutrient absorption1.
2. Goblet cells: Secrete the protective mucus layer1.
3. Enteroendocrine cells: Secrete various gastrointestinal hormones1.
4. Paneth cells: Produce antimicrobial peptides, found in the small intestine13.
5. Microfold cells (M cells): Sample antigens from the lumen and deliver them to lymphoid tissue1.
6. Cup cells: A distinct cell type that produces vimentin1.
7. Tuft cells: Play a role in the immune response1.
8. Stem cells: Located at the base of the crypts, they give rise to other cell types12.

These cell types are organized into a single layer of cells forming crypts and villi, with their distribution varying along the digestive tract according to the function of each region12.