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Microvilli
Educational only: videos on MedicalVideos.com are for general information and are not medical advice. Always consult your own doctor about your health.
Cells may have slender extensions of the cell membrane to form cilia or the smaller extensions called microvilli. The microscopic microvilli effectively increase the surface area of the cell and are useful for absorption and secretion functions. A dramatic example is the human small intestine. The tissue has small fingerlike extensions called villi which are collections of cells, and those cells have many microvilli to even further increase the available surface area for the digestion process. According to Audesirk & Audesirk, this can give an effective surface area of about 250 square meters for absorption.
This video in 30 seconds
This video explains microvilli, small extensions of the cell membrane. It covers how microvilli and the larger cilia are slender membrane extensions, how microvilli increase the surface area of the cell for absorption and secretion, and the example of the human small intestine, where villi are collections of cells bearing many microvilli that greatly increase the surface area available for digestion and absorption.
Key points
- Microvilli are small extensions of the cell membrane, alongside the larger cilia
- They increase the surface area of the cell
- They are useful for absorption and secretion functions
- Intestinal villi are collections of cells whose microvilli further increase surface area for digestion
Video Overview
This video presents “Microvilli” — Cells may have slender extensions of the cell membrane to form cilia or the smaller extensions called microvilli. The microscopic microvilli effectively increase the surface area of the cell and are useful for absorption and secretion. Whether you are preparing for a procedure, studying the technique, or learning how a condition is assessed, the recording shows the process as it is performed in practice.
From our Histology and Histopathology collection: Tissue slides under the microscope, biopsy interpretation and pathology basics for medical students. Browse all Histology and Histopathology videos →
Educational content only — not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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