Celiac Disease Definition
Definition
Celiac is an autoimmune disease of the digestive tract. With Celiac, eating food with gluten damages little protrusions in the small intestine. These protrusions, called villi, absorb nutrients from foods. The condition affects absorption of all nutrients. Untreated patients often become malnourished.
Cross Section of Small Intestine
Inner circle demonstrates little protrusions affected by Celiac disease.
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