microvilli
Tiny cellular bristles
Microvilli are microscopic finger-like projections extending from the surface of certain cells, dramatically increasing surface area for absorption.
They line the small intestine, where they form the brush border that absorbs nutrients from digested food.
Microvilli also appear on other cells where absorption or sensory detection matters.
The singular is microvillus.
Intestinal absorptive protrusions
- duodenumInitial small intestine
- jejunumSecond small intestine portion
- ileumLast small intestine segment
- epitheliumTissue covering body surfaces
mucosa · lumen · digestive enzymes · lactase · maltase · sucrase · gut wall · digestive tract
Internal protein support structure
- cell membraneOuter layer of cytoplasm
- microfilamentsThinnest cytoskeletal protein strands
- plasma membraneLipid bilayer enclosing cytoplasm
- rootletsSmallest plant absorbers
Vital dietary substances
- endocytosisCell engulfs external material
- glucosePrimary cellular fuel
- amino acidsOrganic compounds forming proteins
- fatty acidsOrganic molecules in fats
electrolytes · vitamins · minerals · permeability · carrier proteins · uptake · assimilation · absorption rate
Instrument magnifying via charged particles
- ultrastructureMicroscopic cellular organization
- micrographMicroscope photograph
- histologyStudy of tissue structure
- biopsyTissue sample for diagnosis
magnification · nanometer · specimen · staining · fixation · sectioning · resolution
villi
Intestinal absorptive protrusions
- duodenumInitial small intestine
- jejunumSecond small intestine portion
- ileumLast small intestine segment
epithelium · mucosa · lumen · digestive enzymes · lactase · maltase · sucrase · gut wall · digestive tract · small intestine
cytoskeleton
Internal protein support structure
- cell membraneOuter layer of cytoplasm
- microfilamentsThinnest cytoskeletal protein strands
- plasma membraneLipid bilayer enclosing cytoplasm
nutrients
Vital dietary substances
- endocytosisCell engulfs external material
- glucosePrimary cellular fuel
- amino acidsOrganic compounds forming proteins
fatty acids · electrolytes · vitamins · minerals · permeability · carrier proteins · uptake · assimilation · absorption rate
projections
Estimates extending forward
- foldsBends upon itself
electron microscope
Instrument magnifying via charged particles
- ultrastructureMicroscopic cellular organization
- micrographMicroscope photograph
- histologyStudy of tissue structure
biopsy · magnification · nanometer · specimen · staining · fixation · sectioning · resolution