Enterocyte

Enterocyte
Schematic drawing of an enterocyte: the intestinal lumen is above the brush border.
Details
LocationSmall intestine
ShapeSimple columnar
FunctionEpithelial cells
Identifiers
Latinenterocytus
MeSHD020895
THH3.04.03.0.00006
FMA62122
Anatomical terms of microanatomy

Enterocytes, or intestinal absorptive cells, are simple columnar epithelial cells which line the inner surface of the small and large intestines. A glycocalyx surface coat contains digestive enzymes. Microvilli on the apical surface increase its surface area. This facilitates transport of numerous small molecules into the enterocyte from the intestinal lumen. These include broken down proteins, fats, and sugars, as well as water, electrolytes, vitamins, and bile salts. Enterocytes also have an endocrine role, secreting hormones such as leptin.