Enteroendocrine cells of the jejunum (400X)

Enteroendocrine cells of the jejunum. Image copyright: University of Oslo, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. (Tissue stain: H+E).

What is an enteroendocrine cell?

Enteroendocrine cells lie inbetween the cylindrical epithelial cells. The cells are characterized by the fact that the nucleus is more apically positioned and that they contain secretory granules at the base. The enteroendocrine cells secrete these granules into the tissue, thus stimulating nerve endings of the enteric and autonomic nervous systems.

Published November 12th 2021, updated November 14th 2021.