part of enteroendocrine cell enteroendocrine cell of small intestine small intestine enteroendocrine cell The enteroendocrine cell of the small intestine is a specialized type of cell that forms part of the lining of the intestinal wall. These cells are interspersed among absorptive cells, mucus-secreting goblet cells, and other gut cell types, forming the crypt-villus axis, which is the functional unit of the small intestinal epithelium. Functionally, enteroendocrine cells play a pivotal role in the gut-endocrine system, which is responsible for the digestive process. These cells translate the luminal nutrient status into hormonal signals thereby acting as chemosensors. They contain secretory granules at their base which release hormones into the bloodstream following chemo-sensation. The hormones they secrete perform diverse functions including regulating gastric secretion, gut motility, insulin release, appetite control and other local and systemic effects. In addition to their endocrine functions, enteroendocrine cells also play a part in the modulation of the immune response in the gut. They can secrete cytokines and chemokines that have a role in directing the immune response to invading pathogens. Moreover, emerging research suggests that these cells play a role in maintaining the balance between gut resident bacteria, known as the gut microbiota, and the host. As such, a comprehensive understanding of the enteroendocrine cells of the small intestine underpins knowledge in nutrition, endocrinology, and various gastroenterological conditions. (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.) An enteroendocrine cell that is located in the small intestine. https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0009006 intestinal enteroendocrine cell small intestine secretory cell small intestine