Cross section of intestinal epithelium (IMAGE) Institute of Science and Technology Austria Caption Stem cells divide at the bottom of the intestinal crypts and the resulting cells are pushed upwards to the top pf the villi where they are discarded Credit © Shutterstock Usage Restrictions - License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.