Small gut. Coloured transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a section through an intestinal gland of the small gut. Absorptive cells with microvilli dominate. Microvilli form a dense brush-like covering that increases the absorptive surface area of the cells lining the small intestine, through which the cells absorb nutrients from digested food. A cell undergoing cell division as well as an endocrine cell (bottom left) are also present. Sub mucosa surrounds the gland. Magnification: x1500 when printed 10 centimetres wide.