noun
- Specialized epithelial cells that line the small intestine and are responsible for the absorption of nutrients and water from digested food.
Usage: plural form; singular is enterocyte; technical/medical term; commonly used in anatomy, physiology, and gastroenterology
Examples
- Enterocytes contain numerous microvilli that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.
- Damage to enterocytes can impair the intestine's ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals.
- The brush border of enterocytes is composed of tightly packed microvilli.
- Enterocytes are replaced approximately every three to five days as part of normal intestinal turnover.
- Certain infections can destroy enterocytes and lead to malabsorption and diarrhea.