noun
- tiny finger-like projections on the surface of certain cells that increase surface area for absorption
Usage: biology; anatomy; plural form
Examples
- The intestinal cells are covered with microvilli to maximize nutrient absorption.
- Microvilli greatly increase the surface area of the small intestine.
- Each microvillus contains actin filaments that help maintain its structure.
- The brush border is formed by thousands of microvilli on epithelial cells.
- Damage to microvilli can impair the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
- Under an electron microscope, microvilli appear as tiny projections on the cell surface.