Variations in Small-intestinal Villous Shape and Mucosal Dynamics

Abstract

Twenty speci-mens of small-intestinal mucosa showing variations in villous shape from fingers to leaves and to convolutions are examined. As the villous shape becomes more abnormal the adult epithelial cells covering them are greatly reduced in number. It is suggested that the villous shape is plastic and remolds to a more simple and economical shape as adult cells become fewer. There are 2 abnormal patterns of cell turnover associated with the diminution of adult epithelial cells; one is analogous with hemolysis and the other with hypoplasia.