Histology of the Intestinal Tract

The initial part of the digestive tract, responsible for chewing and mechanical breakdown of food.

A layer of the digestive tract wall that contains epithelial lining, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosa.

A layer of the digestive tract wall consisting of loose connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves.

A layer of the digestive tract wall composed of smooth muscle tissue, responsible for peristaltic movement.

A layer of the digestive tract wall that covers the external surface and consists of loose connective tissue and mesothelium.

The region of the stomach surrounding the esophageal orifice.

The main part of the stomach, responsible for storing and mixing food with gastric juices.

The termination of the stomach, connecting to the small intestine.

Tall, cylindrical cells lining the intestinal villi, responsible for absorbing nutrients.

Specialized cells within the intestinal epithelium that secrete mucus, lubricating the gut and protecting it from damage.

Cells scattered throughout the intestinal epithelium, responsible for producing hormones that regulate digestion.

The outermost layer of the large intestine wall, composed of connective tissue covered by a single layer of epithelial cells.

Three bands of longitudinal smooth muscle that run along the length of the large intestine, responsible for its characteristic segmentation and contractions.

Tiny, tube-shaped structures in the stomach lining responsible for secreting gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen.

A type of gastric gland found in the fundus and body of the stomach, primarily responsible for secreting pepsinogen, a precursor to the enzyme pepsin.

A type of gastric gland located in the pyloric region of the stomach, mainly responsible for secreting gastrin, a hormone that stimulates gastric acid production.

Small, finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption in the duodenum, a part of the small intestine.

Finger-like projections in the small intestine, particularly numerous in the jejunum and ileum, increasing surface area for absorption.

Specialized structures found in the small intestine, specifically Peyer's patches, composed of lymphatic tissue that helps in immune function.

Small pits or indentations in the lining of the large intestine, containing mostly goblet cells that produce mucus for lubrication and waste transport.

The largest salivary gland, located in the cheek near the ear.

The pancreatic cells that produce insulin, making up around 70% of the islet cells.

The main functional cells of the liver, responsible for essential tasks including protein synthesis, bile production, and detoxification.

Finger-like projections on hepatocytes that increase surface area for exchange with the blood.

Specialized macrophages found in the liver, responsible for clearing debris and pathogens from the blood.

The space between hepatocytes and blood sinusoids, containing reticular fibers and microvilli.

The primary function of the liver is to detoxify the blood.

Blood from the digestive tract flows through the portal vein, delivering nutrients to the liver, while oxygen-rich blood comes from the hepatic artery.