This plastic section shows the simple columnar epithelium that covers
the surfaces of the villi that extend into the lumen of the small intestine.
This single cell layer contains two types of cells: (1) absorptive
cells (A), characterized by relatively straight sides, pale-stained
cytoplasm and elliptical nuclei located in the basal half of the cells; and
(2) mucous-secreting goblet cells (G),
characterized by a bulging apex, filled with mucous droplets that do not stain
with either hematoxylin or eosin, and flattened nuclei (not always seen) compressed
into the base of the cell.
