Findings

In this high-power image of the tip of a villus, one can see the simple columnar epithelium surrounding the lamina propria. The loose connective tissue of the lamina propria contains blood vessels and lymphatic capillaries called lacteals.

Comment

Lacteals can be distinguished from blood vessels in that they appear empty and do not contain blood cells.

Preparation

Paraffin section, hematoxylin and eosin

View

High-power light microscopy

Specimen

Small intestine

Image Credit

V. Eroschenko, Ph.D.
Department of Biological Sciences
WAMI Medical Program
University of Idaho