MHS 273 Ileum

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Ileum

The ileum is the last location in which most nutrients are absorbed. It is composed of the four layers characteristic of the gastrointestinal tract.

(or mucous membrane)
- - shorter, wide projections with blunt ends that extend into the lumen.
  - Absorptive Cells (or Enterocytes) - simple columnar cells with microvilli (or brush border) to expand the absorptive surface.
  - Goblet Cells - secrete mucus for lubrication.
- - intestinal glands found at the base of villi.
- Lamina Propria - loose connective tissue that supports the epithelium and forms the core of villi.
  - - lymphoid tissue found in the intestinal wall (GALT).
  - - prominent within the core of villi in the ileum.
- - layer of smooth muscle.
- dense irregular connective tissue.
- No submucosal glands (only in the duodenum).
- two orthogonal layers of smooth muscle (inner circular and outer longitudinal).
Adventitia - loose connective tissue (absent in this specimen).