Intestinal villus

Villi are leaf - to finger-like projections of the small intestine and are mainly of absorption. The formation of villi and the stocking of intestinal epithelial cells with microvilli, the surface of the intestine is greatly increased ( in humans to approximately 180m ²) ..

In the recesses between the villi are numerous gland cells. They form up to three liters of digestive juices daily. Villi are extensions of the lamina propria, which are covered with epithelium and which project into the intestinal lumen. The stroma consists of cell- rich connective tissue through which the finest blood vessels flow. Also present in the intestinal villi of a system of lymphatic vessels.