In these micrographs villi, which are characteristic of the mucous membrane of the small intestine, are shown in transverse section (a) or longitudinal section (b)
The villi are covered with absorbtive epithelial cells with microvilli and some mucus secreting goblet cells
These are stained green in (b) but are unstained in (a)
The microvilli and villi contribute to providing a large surface area for absorbtion of nutrients to take place