Enterocyte

An enterocyte is an absorptive epithelial cell lining the small intestine. Its apical brush border of microvilli supports digestion and uptake of nutrients.

Brush border: The microvillus-covered apical surface of an intestinal epithelial cell, enriched in digestive enzymes and transport proteins. Enterocytes present this specialized surface to intestinal contents.
Small intestine: The digestive organ between the stomach and large intestine where most digestion and nutrient absorption occur. Enterocytes form the principal absorptive lining of this organ.
Lactase: An enzyme that hydrolyzes lactose into glucose and galactose at the small-intestinal brush border. Reduced brush-border lactase activity causes lactose malabsorption.
Goblet cell: A mucus-secreting epithelial cell found in the respiratory and intestinal tracts. Goblet cells protect the intestinal surface with mucus rather than specialize in nutrient uptake.
Microvillus: A microscopic, actin-supported projection of a cell membrane that increases surface area. Dense microvilli form the enterocyte’s brush border and expand its absorptive area.
Intestinal epithelium: The cell layer lining the intestinal lumen, forming a selective barrier for absorption and defense. Enterocytes are its dominant absorptive cell type.
Celiac disease: An immune-mediated disorder triggered by gluten that damages the small-intestinal mucosa in susceptible people. Villous injury reduces the area and function of enterocytes available for absorption.
Paneth cell: An intestinal epithelial cell concentrated in crypts that secretes antimicrobial molecules. Paneth cells defend crypts, unlike enterocytes’ dominant absorptive role.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 1: A membrane protein that uses the sodium gradient to transport glucose and galactose into intestinal cells. It carries dietary sugars across the enterocyte’s apical membrane.
Villus: A fingerlike projection of the small-intestinal mucosa that increases absorptive surface area. Enterocytes cover villi, placing their brush borders against digested food.

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