Photomicrograph showing transverse section of ileum X600

Information about the ileum :

1.Ileum is a main organ for food absorption.

2.The villi are finger-like projections to increase surface area for absorption.

3.Inside the villus, we can find some capillaries and a lacteal.

4.The blood capillaries transport soluble foods away whereas the lacteal carries the lipids away.

5.In the slide, the circular muscle and longitudinal muscle are for peristalsis.

6.Goblet cells are present in the epithelium for secretion of mucus.

7.You may find some Brunner's glands beneath the villus. They can secrete enzymes for digestion as well.