A photomicrograph depicting the cytoarchitecture of a normal section of intestinal epithelial mucosa. Mucosal projections known as villi and associated intestinal glands are seen/ Credit: CDC In this ...

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified three types of nerve cells connected to the intestinal villi, suggesting that previously unknown neural networks regulate fluid balance in the gut.

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified three types of nerve cells connected to the intestinal villi, suggesting that previously unknown neural networks regulate fluid balance in the gut.

More information: Wei Li et al, The transcriptomes, connections and development of submucosal neuron classes in the mouse small intestine, Nature Neuroscience (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-025-01962-x ...

In the animal kingdom, the vertebrate intestine is renowned for its regenerative capacity, a vital process for maintaining ...

The human small intestine is an essential organ that helps us absorb nutrients and vitamins from food. It is an average of 6 meters long and is covered with millions of villi that are separated by ...

How do bad bacteria find entry points in the body to cause infection? This question is fundamental for infectious disease experts and people who study bacteria.

We know, for example, that this digestive tract is, on average, about six meters long and that it is covered with millions of villi, tiny finger-like projections that increase the surface area of ...

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder caused by an abnormal reaction to gluten. In celiac disease, the immune response to gluten creates toxins that destroy the villi — tiny, finger-like ...

Next is the jejunum. This part of the small intestine is over 6.5-feet long and contains the muscular flaps and villi. Villi are finger-like projections that absorb nutrients from what you eat.