enterocyt

Enterocyt is a term sometimes used to refer to enterocytes, the absorptive epithelial cells that line the intestine. In standard terminology, enterocytes are tall, columnar cells that cover the villi of the small intestine and, to a lesser extent, the colon. They form a continuous mucosal barrier joined by tight junctions and play a central role in nutrient uptake.

Structure and location: Enterocytes have a polarized morphology with an apical brush border of densely packed microvilli, which increases the surface area for absorption. The apical membrane hosts digestive enzymes such as lactase, sucrase–isomaltase, and aminopeptidases. The cytoplasm contains mitochondria and other organelles, and the nucleus sits basally. Lateral membranes form tight and adherens junctions with neighboring cells, maintaining barrier integrity.

Function: The primary role of enterocytes is absorption of nutrients, electrolytes, and water. They take up monosaccharides, amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins, and participate in lipid processing. Nutrients are transported across the basolateral membrane into the bloodstream by transporters such as SGLT1 and various glucose transporters, as well as amino acid and peptide transporters.

Development and turnover: Enterocytes originate from intestinal stem cells in the crypts of Lieberkühn. New cells migrate up the villus, differentiate, and are eventually shed into the lumen, with a general turnover time of approximately 3–5 days.

Clinical relevance: Damage to enterocytes can impair absorption and barrier function, contributing to malabsorption syndromes and conditions such as celiac disease, infectious enteritis, and mucosal injury from chemotherapy or inflammatory states. Terminology note: while enterocyt appears in some texts, the preferred modern term is enterocyte.