Researchers have analyzed the entire mouse intestine, mapping gene expression and cell states and location in the healthy gut and in response to perturbations such as inflammation. They identified tight regulation of cell types and states in different regions of the organ, as well as a unique segment of the colon that is controlled by immune signals. The findings reveal the surprising adaptability and resilience of the intestine to perturbations and highlight the importance of considering how cell processes are regulated and vary across different parts of a tissue or organ.