Enteroendocrine cells are hormone-producing cells scattered singly in the lining of the stomach and intestines. Although they make up only about 1% of gut lining cells, together they form the largest endocrine organ in the body.
| Location | Gastric glands and intestinal crypts and villi from the stomach to the rectum |
|---|---|
| Secretes |
|
| Nerve Supply | Enteric nervous system; Vagus nerve |
| Blood Supply | Mucosal branches of the coeliac, superior and inferior mesenteric arteries |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Sense nutrients in the gut and release hormones that control appetite, digestion, gut movement and insulin release.
GLP-1 based medicines, now widely used for diabetes and weight loss, copy a hormone from intestinal L cells. Neuroendocrine tumours from these cells can cause carcinoid syndrome with flushing and diarrhoea.
A tumour of enteroendocrine cells that may secrete hormones such as serotonin.
A gastrin-secreting tumour causing severe recurrent peptic ulcers.
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