Overview
Microvilli are small, finger-like projections of the cell membrane found on call surfaces in a wide variety of cells in the body. They act as surface modifications on epithelial cells of many simple cells. It is numerous on some types of cells, such as the epithelial cells of the intestinal lining, and the cells of the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney. Unlike most other membrane projections, microvilli have no connection to the extracellular matrix. Instead, they are usually found in luminal regions, on the interface of major exchanges and secretions. A microvillus (singular for microvilli) increases the surface area for absorption or secretion in any place it is found. [1]
