Small intestine. Light micrograph (LM) of a section through the finger-like projections (villi) of the duodenum, the uppermost part of the small intestine. These increase the surface area for the absorption of food. Within the columnar epithelium of the outer surface (red) are goblet cells (blue), which secrete mucus to lubricate food and prevent self-digestion. The lamina propria (central core, ) contains the blood supply that transports the products of digestion. Brunners glands underlie the villi, these secrete an alkaline fluid containing mucin, which protects the mucosa from the acidic stomach contents entering the duodenum. Magnification: x100 when printed at 10 centimetres wide