Microvilli - Definition, Structure and Function, Microvillus

Microvilli/ Microvillus

 

Microvilli are microscopic cellular membrane protrusions, cylindrically shaped extensions of the plasma membrane about 0.5-1 micrometer in length, and have minute openings. They are not motile.

The function of microvilli is to increase the surface area of the cells and the efficiency of absorption for ingested food and water molecules.

Microvilli are present in the intestine, kidney, and other areas of the body.  Absorption is an important function of microvilli, it increases the surface area for diffusion.

 

Thousands of microvilli composed a structure called the brush border that is found on the apical surface of some epithelial cells, for example, in small intestines. (Microvilli should not be confused with intestinal villi and cilia).

The meaning apical surface of epithelial cells, that lines the lumen of sac, tube-shaped organs, and the inner surfaces of the body cavity.

 

 

Microvilli Structure

 

Also, check out here function of cytoskeleton.

 

Function of Microvilli

 

These are the following functions of microvilli -

 

1. Microvilli Key functions is including absorption, secretion, incerase surface area, and cellular adhesion.

 

2. Microvilli are most often located in the small intestine, on the surface of egg cells, and on white blood cells, aid in the migration.

 

3. In the intestine, microvilli work in conjunction with intestinal villi to absorb more nutrients and material because they enlarged the surface area of the intestine.

 

4. Microvilli are found in the intestine and play an important role in the digestion and absorption of intestinal contents such as ingested food and water molecules by increase the absorbing surface area.

 

5. Microvilli are present in intestine, kidney and other areas of body helps in efficiency of absorption.

 

 

Microvilli Vs Villi

 

Villi are found only in the small intestinal cavity whereas microvilli are located on the cell membranes of many organs of the body, along with the small intestines. 

Villi are small finger-like projections in the inner walls of the small intestines. The surface of the villi absorbs nutrients from the digested food materials and adds digestive secretions.

 

Microvilli Vs Cilia

 

Microvilli are found in many areas of the body which are specialized function for absorption, by increasing the surface area of the cell membrane such as in the digestive tract or kidneys. They allowing for more nutrient materials to be absorbed into the cell at a quicker rate.

 

Microvilli are supported with actin filaments, they are non-motile actin-based structures. Cilia are motile microtubule-based structures. Unlike cilia, microvilli do not move.

Cilia resemble like tiny hairs on the surface of certain cells. Many cilia move in a sweeping motion, waving.

The major function of cilia is to move particles or cells in your body. For example, the cilia lining the respiratory tract, it brush airways free of mucus, dust, and dirt, aid in breathe easier, and help in keep clean the lung from debris.