Histology of the Small Intestine

• Circular folds, villi, and microvilli increase surface area for


  absorption of nutrients
• Villi (microscopic) contain


  capillaries and lacteals for absorption of nutrients
• Microvilli (microscopic) make up brush border on


  epithelial cell - contains enzymes for digestion
• Intestinal glands produce


  intestinal juice that help neutralize acidic chyme
• Duodenal glands secrete


  alkaline mucus to protect mucosa
• Intestinal MALT provides


  immune protection - aggregations of MALT seen in ileum