Microvilli
Microvilli are short (less than one micron), non-motile extensions of the apical plasma membrane. By light microscopy (left), collections of microvilli constitute a brush, or striated, border. In optimal sections, individual microvilli can be resolved with the light microscope; however, they are better appreciated by electron microscopy (right image). Microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface area of a cell. Small intestine 1000x, 10,000x
Brush border >
The collection of microvilli comprise the brush border, also called a striated border, because the individual microvilli give it a striated or striped appearance. Each microvillus is supported by a core of microfilaments.
Microvilli
The collection of microvilli comprise the brush border also called a striated border because the individual microvilli give it a striated or striped appearance. Each microvillus is supported by a core of microfilaments.
Terminal web >
The terminal web is composed of a meshwork of microfilaments and microfilament bundles. The terminal web serves to stabilize the apical cell surface as well as anchor and support the microvilli.
Microfilament bundles
The terminal web is composed of a meshwork of microfilaments and microfilament bundles. The terminal web serves to stabilize the apical cell surface as well as anchor and support the microvilli.
Simple columnar epithelium
Microvilli are short (less than one micron), non-motile extensions of the apical plasma membrane. By light microscopy (left), collections of microvilli constitute a brush, or striated, border. In optimal sections, individual microvilli can be resolved with the light microscope, however they are better appreciated by electron microscopy (right image). Microvilli greatly increase the absorptive surface area of a cell. Small intestine 1000x, 10,000x
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