1. A specialized epithelial cell that lines the small intestine and is responsible for the absorption of nutrients and water.
Usage: technical; biology/medicine

Examples

• Enterocytes have microvilli on their surface that increase the area available for nutrient absorption.
• The intestinal lining is composed primarily of enterocytes arranged in a single layer.
• Damage to enterocytes can impair the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients.
• Enterocytes actively transport glucose and amino acids from the intestinal lumen into the bloodstream.
• The lifespan of an enterocyte is typically three to five days before it is replaced.
• Certain infections can destroy enterocytes, leading to malabsorption and diarrhea.