part of part of enterocyte epithelial cell of small intestine enterocyte of epithelium of small intestine An enterocyte that is part of the epithelium of small intestine. https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_1000334 FMA:263086 Enterocytes of the epithelium of the small intestine are specialized cells that reside in the lining of the small intestine, and are primarily responsible for the essential process of nutrient absorption. These cells are columnar epithelial cells with an apical surface lined with microvilli, a feature referred to as the 'brush border', to maximize the surface area available for absorption. Enterocytes play a critical role in both the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. Their extensive brush border contains enzymes that further assist in nutrient breakdown and transport proteins that transfer nutrients, such as glucose, amino acids, lipids, and vitamins, across the cell membrane. The enterocytes of the small intestine also participate in the barrier function of the gut lining. Enterocytes are connected by tight junctions, which act as a primary defense line against pathogenic invasion by maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. Additionally, their cell surface is coated in glycocalyx and mucus which forms a defensive barrier preventing the penetration of harmful bacteria into the systemic circulation. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) epithelium of small intestine