Villus

This light micrograph of an intestinal villus shows the important components of this structure. The villus is lined by epithelial enterocytes that contain a brush border. Goblet cells with their clear mucous droplets are interspersed between these enterocytes. The lamina propria supports the epithelial cells and makes up the core of the villus. Present in this layer are blood vessels, immune cells, and a lymphatic vessel, or lacteal, that is important for fat absorption. Villi also contain a strand of smooth muscle that cause them to move and mix the contents of the intestinal lumen.