Editing Microvillus (section)

==Function==
Microvilli function as the primary surface of nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.  Because of this vital function, the microvillar membrane is packed with enzymes that aid in the breakdown of complex nutrients into simpler compounds that are more easily absorbed. For example, enzymes that digest carbohydrates called [[glycosidases]] are present at high concentrations on the surface of enterocyte microvilli.  Thus, microvilli not only increase the cellular surface area for absorption, they also increase the number of digestive enzymes that can be present on the cell surface.  Microvilli are also present on immune cells, allowing the immune cells to sense features on the surface of pathogens and other antigen-presenting cells.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Aramesh|first1=Morteza|last2=Stoycheva|first2=Diana|last3=Sandu|first3=Ioana|last4=Ihle|first4=Stephan J.|last5=Zünd|first5=Tamara|last6=Shiu|first6=Jau-Ye|last7=Forró|first7=Csaba|last8=Asghari|first8=Mohammad|last9=Bernero|first9=Margherita|last10=Lickert|first10=Sebastian|last11=Oxenius|first11=Annette|date=2021-10-05|title=Nanoconfinement of microvilli alters gene expression and boosts T cell activation|journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences|language=en|volume=118|issue=40|doi=10.1073/pnas.2107535118|issn=0027-8424|pmid=34599101|pmc=8501847 |bibcode=2021PNAS..11807535A |doi-access=free }}</ref>

===Glycocalyx===
The microvilli are covered with [[glycocalyx]], consisting of peripheral [[glycoproteins]] that can attach themselves to a [[plasma membrane]] via [[transmembrane proteins]].

This layer may be used to aid binding of substances needed for uptake, to adhere nutrients or as protection against harmful elements.

It can be another location for functional enzymes to be localized.