Intestinal Villis in Duodenum

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added:
13 years ago
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5952
specialty:
Gastroenterology

Case description

The gastrointestinal tract is considered one of the largest immune organs of the body. Disruption of bowel mucosa not only compromises digestive and absorptive functions, but also vital immune functions. Gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT) confers specific immunity in the form of secretory immunoglobulin-A (sIgA) while specialized cells in the mucosa, such as macrophages, natural killer cells, mast cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes, protect against absorption of intestinal toxins and pathogens. Non-specific immunity is conferred by gastric acidity, mucus, motility, digestive enzymes and normal bacterial flora. Chronic permeability defects and associated mucosal damage may therefore lead to considerable compromise of immune function.

tags: duodenum endoscopy intestinal villi

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