Lieberkühns

Lieberkühns are microscopic tubular glands found in the lining of the small intestine, specifically in the villi. They are named after the German anatomist Johann Nathan Lieberkühn. These glands are responsible for the secretion of intestinal juice, a fluid that plays a crucial role in digestion. Intestinal juice contains enzymes such as sucrase, maltase, and lactase, which break down disaccharides into monosaccharides, and peptidases, which break down peptides into amino acids. The secretion of intestinal juice is stimulated by the presence of chyme in the small intestine. The epithelial cells lining the Lieberkühns also produce mucus, which helps to lubricate the intestinal wall and protect it from digestive enzymes. The continuous renewal of the epithelial cells in the Lieberkühns, occurring approximately every three to five days, ensures the integrity and proper functioning of the intestinal lining.