The apical surface feature of small intestinal epithelial cells is best described as which?

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Multiple Choice

The apical surface feature of small intestinal epithelial cells is best described as which?

The apical surface of small intestinal absorptive cells is adorned with microvilli, forming the brush border. These tiny, fingerlike projections are supported by an actin core and massively increase the surface area for nutrient absorption, while also hosting digestive enzymes on their membranes to aid final digestion. Basal bodies are the organizing centers for cilia and aren’t features of this apical surface; cilia are motile projections found in other epithelia, not the mainly absorptive lining of the small intestine; stereocilia are longer, nonmotile projections located in the epididymis and inner ear. Thus, the best descriptor for the apical surface feature here is microvilli.

The apical surface of small intestinal absorptive cells is adorned with microvilli, forming the brush border. These tiny, fingerlike projections are supported by an actin core and massively increase the surface area for nutrient absorption, while also hosting digestive enzymes on their membranes to aid final digestion. Basal bodies are the organizing centers for cilia and aren’t features of this apical surface; cilia are motile projections found in other epithelia, not the mainly absorptive lining of the small intestine; stereocilia are longer, nonmotile projections located in the epididymis and inner ear. Thus, the best descriptor for the apical surface feature here is microvilli.

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