ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -What physiological functions are enhanced by the presence of microvilli or cilia on epithelial cells? The presence of microvilli on the free surface of epithelial cells greatly increases the surface area for absorption or secretion.

Detailed explanation-2: -Microvilli on the surface of epithelial cells such as those lining the intestine increase the cell’s surface area and thus facilitate the absorption of ingested food and water molecules.

Detailed explanation-3: -The columnar epithelium of the stomach contains the mucus-secreting cells and in the microvilli, it is highly absorptive as it increases the absorptive surface area.

Detailed explanation-4: -Microvilli: Microvilli are non-motile (they don’t move) finger-like structures on the surface of epithelial cells that function to increase the cell’s surface area so that it can better absorb substances.