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Related Concept Videos

Microvilli00:55

Microvilli

6.3K
Microvilli are tiny finger-like projections found on the surface of certain cells. Their purpose is to increase the surface area of the cell's apical surface, resulting in more effective absorption or secretion of substances.
These microvilli are predominantly present in cells lining the small intestine, kidney tubules, and certain cells in the respiratory and reproductive systems. By significantly expanding the surface area of the cell membrane, microvilli enhance the cell's capacity...
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Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells01:23

Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells

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The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the...
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Histology of the Small Intestine01:27

Histology of the Small Intestine

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The small intestine exhibits a unique histological structure that significantly enhances its function in digestion and nutrient absorption. These structures include circular folds, villi, and various specialized cells that collectively facilitate the digestion of food.
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...
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Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach01:25

Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach

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The gastric glands contain parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. The cells secrete HCl because it is highly corrosive and essential for breaking down food. To achieve this, they secrete hydrogen and chloride ions into the lumen of the gastric glands, which combine to form HCl.
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
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Absorption of Nutrients01:19

Absorption of Nutrients

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Absorption refers to taking dietary nutrients from the intestinal lumen for transportation throughout the body. After digestion in the small intestine, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are broken down into simpler forms. These essential macronutrients and other vital substances, such as vitamins, minerals, and water, are then prepared for absorption into the bloodstream.
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
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Mechanical and Chemical Digestion in the Small Intestine01:30

Mechanical and Chemical Digestion in the Small Intestine

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The small intestine plays a crucial role in our digestive system, performing both mechanical and chemical digestion.
Mechanical digestion in the small intestine involves movements such as segmentations and migrating motility complexes (MMCs), primarily controlled by the myenteric plexus. Segmentations are localized contractions occurring in areas of the intestine distended by chyme—a mixture of partially digested food. These contractions mix chyme with digestive juices, facilitating...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2025

Co-culture of Living Microbiome with Microengineered Human Intestinal Villi in a Gut-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device
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Co-culture of Living Microbiome with Microengineered Human Intestinal Villi in a Gut-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device

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Building the brush border, one microvillus at a time.

E Angelo Morales1, Isabella Gaeta1, Matthew J Tyska1

  • 1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|February 24, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Microvilli are essential cell structures involved in nutrient absorption and sensory functions. This review covers their composition, structure, and early growth during differentiation, highlighting open questions in their biogenesis.

Keywords:
ActinApicalCytoskeletonEpithelialFilamentMembraneProtrusion

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3D Culturing of Organoids from the Intestinal Villi Epithelium Undergoing Dedifferentiation
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Mouse Fetal Whole Intestine Culture System for Ex Vivo Manipulation of Signaling Pathways and Three-dimensional Live Imaging of Villus Development
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Mouse Fetal Whole Intestine Culture System for Ex Vivo Manipulation of Signaling Pathways and Three-dimensional Live Imaging of Villus Development

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3D Culturing of Organoids from the Intestinal Villi Epithelium Undergoing Dedifferentiation
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Mouse Fetal Whole Intestine Culture System for Ex Vivo Manipulation of Signaling Pathways and Three-dimensional Live Imaging of Villus Development
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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Microvilli are actin-supported cellular protrusions mediating environmental interactions.
  • Primordial microvilli aided early animals in feeding and bacterial entrapment.
  • Modern microvilli have diverse roles, including sensory detection and solute uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of epithelial microvilli composition and structure.
  • To highlight recent findings on microvilli growth during early differentiation.
  • To identify fundamental questions in microvilli biogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on microvilli.
  • Analysis of recent discoveries in cell differentiation and microvilli formation.

Main Results:

  • Epithelial microvilli are complex structures with diverse functions.
  • Microvilli growth is a critical early event in cellular differentiation.
  • The precise mechanisms of microvilli biogenesis are not fully understood.

Conclusions:

  • Microvilli are evolutionarily conserved structures vital for cellular function.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the fundamental questions surrounding microvilli biogenesis.