histology, epithelium, crypts of Lieberkuhn, gastrointestinal tract, gastrointestinal system, colon, large bowel, art, anatomy, art in anatomy, Ashley Davidoff MD

Physiology of Crypts of Lieberkuhn of the Colon

The image is a conceptual diagram showing semisolid contents (chyme) entering the colon from the left.  The contents descend into the crypts where the epithelial cells absorb the water and electrolytes.  The semisolid products evolve into solid feces (green donut shaped material on the right of the diagram).  The arterioles (red) in the submucosa, divide to form a capillary network which absorb the water and electrolytes, and then leave as the venules (blue) to return to the systemic venous circulation.

Description

The intestinal glands of the colon (aka  crypts of Lieberkühn ) are infoldings of the mucosa and submucosa of the large intestine.  The formation of these folds create an infinitely larger surface area to facilitate optimal colonic function. The cells of the epithelium absorb water and electrolytes, and secrete mucus.

The image is a conceptual diagram showing semisolid contents (chyme) entering the colon from the left.  The contents descend into the crypts where the epithelial cells absorb the water and electrolytes.  The semisolid products evolve into solid feces (green donut shaped material on the right of the diagram).  The arterioles (red) in the submucosa, divide to form a capillary network which absorb the water and electrolytes, and then leave as the venules (blue) to return to the systemic venous circulation.