A cell is the basic unit of living organisms (both plants and animals)
that is capable of reproducing itself exactly. That is, there are
components within cells (organelles), but they do not reproduce themselves
independently of the cell(s) of which they are a part.
"Microvilli" is the pural form; "Microvillus"
is the singular form.
Microvilli are hairlike projections on
the outer-surface of cells. They are typically about 5um long
and serve the purpose of increasing the surface area of the cell. They
are particularly apparent on the surfaces of absorptive and secretory
cells. In some cases (certain areas within the organism), microvilli
form dense coverings known as "brush borders" on the free surfaces of
cells.
Not all cells have microvilli.
See the Revision page about Cell
Structure for further information including a diagram of the
structure of a basic cell including microvilli and
all the other organelles. |
