Chapter 25, Problem 18TYR

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Microvilli are a type of internal projections in the small intestine. These are smaller extensions of the plasma membrane that forms a brush border at each enterocyte’s surface. Brush border enzymes are present in the plasma membrane that carry out the final stages of the digestion process. These enzymes are not secreted into the lumen, so chyme reaches the brush border for digestion. This activity is known as contact digestion. Microvilli increase the surface area (digestion) by a factor of 20.