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Related Concept Videos

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,...
Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health01:05

Physiology of Enteric Nervous System and Gut Health

The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients, is safeguarded by the intestinal barrier, which consists of secretory, physical, and immune components. At the forefront is the secretory barrier, composed of essential elements such as mucus, gut microbiota, and defense proteins. They collaborate to break down food particles, facilitate nutrient absorption, and maintain optimal gut health. These secretory components ensure the smooth functioning of the...
Histology of the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract01:20

Histology of the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract

The GI tract, from beginning to end, is made up of four continuous tissue layers that adjust their structure according to their specific roles. These layers, from innermost to outermost, are known as the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa, which are continuous with the mesentery.
The mucosa is sometimes called a mucous membrane due to its mucus-secreting features. This membrane is composed of epithelium, which directly interacts with ingested substances, and the lamina propria, a layer...
Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach01:25

Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach

The gastric glands contain parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. The cells secrete HCl because it is highly corrosive and essential for breaking down food. To achieve this, they secrete hydrogen and chloride ions into the lumen of the gastric glands, which combine to form HCl.
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
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...
Histology of the Large Intestine01:26

Histology of the Large Intestine

The large intestine, a vital component of the gastrointestinal tract, is structured with four main layers: the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. Each layer performs a distinct role in facilitating the smooth functioning of the large intestine.
The innermost mucosa layer comprises simple columnar epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. This layer is primarily populated with absorptive cells, tasked with water absorption, and goblet cells, responsible for secreting mucus to...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Improved Swiss-rolling Technique for Intestinal Tissue Preparation for Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescent Analyses
07:42

Improved Swiss-rolling Technique for Intestinal Tissue Preparation for Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescent Analyses

Published on: July 13, 2016

Maintenance of normal intestinal mucosa: function, structure, and adaptation

J A Jankowski1, R A Goodlad, N A Wright

  • 1Histopathology Unit, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Royal College of Surgeons, London.

Gut
|January 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Diet significantly impacts gastrointestinal health and disease. This review explores mechanisms of normal intestinal mucosal development and growth, and touches on pathological changes.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Improved Swiss-rolling Technique for Intestinal Tissue Preparation for Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescent Analyses
07:42

Improved Swiss-rolling Technique for Intestinal Tissue Preparation for Immunohistochemical and Immunofluorescent Analyses

Published on: July 13, 2016

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

Three-dimensional Quantification of Intestinal Mucus Using Whole-mount Tissue Imaging
05:10

Three-dimensional Quantification of Intestinal Mucus Using Whole-mount Tissue Imaging

Published on: September 12, 2025

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Epithelial Biology

Background:

  • Diet plays a crucial role in the health of the alimentary epithelium.
  • Non-hereditary gastrointestinal diseases show global incidence variations linked to dietary habits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mechanisms modulating normal mucosal development and growth in the small and large intestine.
  • To briefly discuss morphological changes in specific gastrointestinal pathological conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of mechanisms influencing intestinal mucosal development.
  • Synthesis of information on dietary impacts on gut health.
  • Brief overview of pathological morphological changes.

Main Results:

  • Dietary factors are fundamental to maintaining healthy intestinal epithelium.
  • Mechanisms governing mucosal development and growth are complex and multifactorial.
  • Dietary habits influence the incidence of non-hereditary gastrointestinal disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding diet-epithelium interactions is key for gastrointestinal health.
  • Further research into specific dietary mechanisms can inform disease prevention and management.
  • Morphological adaptations occur in the intestine during disease states.