Structure of a villus

• a villus is surrounded by a single layer of columnar epithelial cells
• In the columnar epithelium there are goblet cells that secrete mucus
• On the surface of the columnar epithelial cells there are microscopic projections, known as microvilli
• In the centre there is a capillary lymph vessel, the lacteal
• An arteriole brings blood to the villus and forms a capillary network that surrounds the lacteal
• The capillaries join together and leave the villus as a venule
• At the base of the villi, there are small cavities known as the crypts of Lieberkuhn
• Brunner glands occur in the submucosa of the duodenum