Lecture 26

Question 1

What are the different cell types and functions in the small intestine?

Answer 1

Absorptive cell: Transporting epithelia with microvilli-brush border
Goblet cells: Produce mucin
Enteric endocrine cells: Produce hormones
Stem cell: Differentiation and migration to replace sloughed cells
Paneth cells: Specialised for secretion of antibacterial enzymes such as lysozyme and defensins

Question 2

Describe the function of the small intestine in terms of digestion

Answer 2

Digestive juices from pancreas are secreted into the duodenum.
They are alkali and the enzymes breakdown:
fats by lipase,
carbohydrates by amylase
proteins by trypsin and protease
Enzymes are present on the brush border for protein and carbohydrate digestion into small units which can be absorbed