Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Combining Human Organoids and Organ-on-a-Chip Technology to Model Intestinal Region-Specific Functionality
10:56

Combining Human Organoids and Organ-on-a-Chip Technology to Model Intestinal Region-Specific Functionality

Published on: May 5, 2022

Regional organization of nutrient absorption across the small intestine

Rachel K Zwick1,2, Mark Sharpley3, Jérémie Rispal4

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.

Nature Reviews. Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|July 2, 2026
PubMed

More Related Videos

Two-dimensional Porcine Intestinal Organoids Reflecting the Physiological Properties of Native Gut09:13

Two-dimensional Porcine Intestinal Organoids Reflecting the Physiological Properties of Native Gut

Published on: January 31, 2025

Ex Vivo Intestinal Sacs to Assess Mucosal Permeability in Models of Gastrointestinal Disease06:04

Ex Vivo Intestinal Sacs to Assess Mucosal Permeability in Models of Gastrointestinal Disease

Published on: February 9, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Histology of the Small Intestine01:27

Histology of the Small Intestine

The small intestine exhibits a unique histological structure that significantly enhances its function in digestion and nutrient absorption. These structures include circular folds, villi, and various specialized cells that collectively facilitate the digestion of food.
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...
Absorption of Nutrients01:19

Absorption of Nutrients

Absorption refers to taking dietary nutrients from the intestinal lumen for transportation throughout the body. After digestion in the small intestine, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are broken down into simpler forms. These essential macronutrients and other vital substances, such as vitamins, minerals, and water, are then prepared for absorption into the bloodstream.
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
Small Intestine01:15

Small Intestine

The small intestine is primarily responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption. It spans from the pyloric sphincter to the ileocecal valve and connects to the large intestine.
The small intestine is divided into three main sections - the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum, approximately 25 cm long, is nearest the stomach. It acts as a 'mixing bowl,' where chyme (partially digested food) blends with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and liver. The duodenum's unique C-shape wraps...
Carbohydrate Absorption01:25

Carbohydrate Absorption

Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients that serve as the body's primary energy source. Their digestion begins in the mouth, where salivary amylase partially breaks down complex carbohydrates such as starch into smaller oligosaccharides. This mechanical and enzymatic activity prepares carbohydrates for further processing in the gastrointestinal tract.
After being swallowed, the partially digested carbohydrates mix with gastric secretions in the stomach. However, the acidic environment...
Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells01:23

Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells

The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...