Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

What distinguishes the small intestine from the stomach in terms of cellular composition?

1. Presence of goblet cells

2. Enteroendocrine cells that inhibit gastric emptying

3. Absence of villi

4. High-density enzyme secreting cells

The correct answer is: Enteroendocrine cells that inhibit gastric emptying

The distinguishing feature of the small intestine compared to the stomach in terms of cellular composition is the presence of goblet cells. Goblet cells are specialized epithelial cells found throughout the intestinal tract, including the small intestine. They play a crucial role in secreting mucus, which protects the intestinal lining and facilitates the movement of food along the digestive tract. The small intestine's mucosa is characterized by the presence of villi and microvilli that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption, which is absent in the stomach. While enteroendocrine cells are indeed present in the small intestine and are responsible for secreting hormones that can inhibit gastric emptying, this does not define the cellular composition difference between the two organs as clearly as the presence of goblet cells and the specialized structure of the intestinal wall with its villi. Additionally, the stomach has a very different composition, primarily composed of parietal cells and chief cells that produce hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. Thus, the statement about enteroendocrine cells, while true, does not accurately capture the primary distinct cellular features that define the small intestine compared to the stomach in this context.