Structure of Intestinal Epithelium:
The intestinal epithelium is made up of small tower-like projections called villi. The space between these tower-like projections is called a crypt. There are many cells types in the intestinal epithelium:
Cell: Cell that make up the majority of the intestinal epithelium.
Cell: Responsible for mucus production in the intestinal epithelium.
Cell: Responsible for hormone production in the intestinal epithelium.
Crypt Stem Cell: Cell from which mature intestinal epithelial cells are derived.
Cell: Highly secretory cell which is most recognisable for its antimicrobial properties, secreting α-defensins, angiogenin-4, lysozyme and secretory phospholipase A2.