# Intestines --- The **intestines** are part of the [[digestive system|GI tract]] of the digestive system. There are two main components of the intestines, the longer but narrower [[small intestine]], and the shorter but wider [[large intestine]]. ![[intestines.png]] ## Features Despite their differences, both the small and large intestines share certain similar features. [[Enterocytes]] are the cells that [[nutrient absorption|absorb]] nutrients. [[Peyer's patches]] are sections of the intestinal lining that act as samplers of the microbiota in the intestinal tract. They have special cells called M cells that line the intestines and continuously monitor the contents of the intestines for microbes. ## Antimicrobial Activities of Intestinal Cells Intestinal cells can help the [[immune system]] out a couple of different ways. Firstly, these cells can help activate [[dendritic cells]] and [[macrophages]] that live close by. If come into contact with harmful bacteria, they just allow them to pass through, and hand them right off to the waiting immune cells. Secondly they can directly release [[antimicrobial substances]] to fight infection. Both small and large intestines also house [[normal microbiota|normal flora]], though the large intestine has a more diverse and abundant microbiota. ## Problems with the Intestines Problems with the intestines are often specific to if it's the large or small intestine. ___