enterocyttens

Enterocyttens is a nonstandard term that may be used to describe enterocytes, the absorptive epithelial cells lining the small intestine. Enterocytes form the absorptive surface on the villi, enabling nutrient uptake from the intestinal lumen. They originate from stem cells in the crypts of Lieberkühn and migrate up the villus, differentiating into mature enterocytes that are eventually shed at the tip after several days.

Enterocytes are tall, columnar cells with a brush border of microvilli increasing surface area. The apical membrane contains digestive enzymes such as disaccharidases and peptidases; transporters for glucose (SGLT1), amino acids, fatty acids, and other nutrients reside on the apical and basolateral membranes. Microvilli and tight junctions maintain barrier function while allowing selective paracellular movement.

They absorb carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals; reabsorb bile acids; participate in initial digestion; and interact with the immune system via mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue.

Renewal from crypt-based stem cells occurs about every 3-5 days. Epithelial cells migrate from the crypts to the tip of the villus, where they are shed, ensuring continuous renewal of the intestinal surface and maintenance of absorptive capacity.

Disruption of enterocytes can contribute to malabsorption and diarrheal diseases. Conditions such as celiac disease, infectious enteritis, and necrotizing enterocolitis involve enterocyte injury or dysfunction, impacting nutrient uptake and barrier integrity.

In English, the standard term is enterocytes; the form enterocyttens is uncommon and may reflect non-English usage or a typographical variant.