noun
- a microscopic projection from the surface of a cell, especially those found on the intestinal lining that increase surface area for absorption
Usage: biology; anatomy
Examples
- The microvilli in the small intestine help absorb nutrients from food.
- Each microvillus contains a core of actin filaments.
- Damage to microvilli can impair nutrient absorption.
- The brush border is formed by thousands of microvilli.
- Microvilli are found on the apical surface of epithelial cells.
- The electron microscope revealed the detailed structure of each microvillus.