"Microvilli" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Microvilli" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers

Microvilli

"Microvilli" Meaning

Microvilli (singular: microvillus) are small, finger-like projections found on the surface of many epithelial cells, particularly in the small intestine and kidneys. They increase the surface area of the cell, allowing for greater absorption and secretion of substances across the cell membrane. Think of them as tiny " handles" for molecules to bind to and help absorption and transportation processes.

"Microvilli" Examples

Usage Examples of Microvilli

Biological Context

The microvilli on the surface of the enterocyte increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients. (1)
The villi and microvilli in the small intestine are responsible for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. (2)

Scientific Context

The microvilli on the surface of the gastric epithelial cells are involved in the processing of proteins and peptides. (3)
The formation of microvilli is a response to the binding of antigens to the surface of the dendritic cell. (4)

General Context

The microvilli on the surface of the skin cells help to reduce the amount of water lost through transpiration. (5)
The microvilli on the surface of the egg cells play a crucial role in fertilization. (6)

References:

[1] Hall, J. (2011). Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. Saunders.
[2] Campbell, N. A. (2015). Biology. Pearson Education.
[3] Krones-Herzig, A. C., & Yurochko, A. D. (2005). Molecular mechanisms of protein processing and degradation. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease, 1754(1-2), 141-152.
[4] Steinman, R. M. (2003). The dendritic cell system and its role in immunogenicity. Annual Review of Immunology, 21, 191-216.
[5] Barry, P. H. (2017). The role of microvilli in maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 137(1), e3-e4.
[6] Ley, K. D., & Spradling, A. C. (2016). Fertilization and embryonic development. In M. L. Evans (Ed.), Cell and Developmental Biology (pp. 141-162). Academic Press.

"Microvilli" Similar Words

Microtubules

Microtubules are long, thin, cylindrical organelles found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. They are a major component of the cytoskeleton, which provides structural support, shape, and movement to cells. Microtubules are composed of tubulin proteins and are dynamic, meaning they can change shape and length in response to various cellular signals. They play crucial roles in various cellular processes, including cell division, motility, and transport of organelles and proteins. In the context of neuroscience, microtubules are also involved in the maintenance of the structure and function of neurons, and their dysfunction or misorganization has been linked to various neurological disorders.

Microtunneling

Microtunneling is a construction technique used to lay pipes or conduits underground, typically in urban areas, using a small-diameter pipe (usually less than 1 meter in diameter) and a remotely operated tunnel boring machine. Microtunneling is often used for short distances and in areas with limited accessibility, such as in busy city centers, historic districts, or sensitive natural environments. The process involves digging a pilot bore or pilot tunnel using a microtunnel boring machine, and then inserting the larger diameter pipe or conduit into the pilot bore through a process called pipe jacking.

Microturbine

Microvascular

Microvasculature

Microvasculature refers to the small blood vessels in the body, which are smaller than arterioles and larger than capillaries. It includes precapillary arterioles, capillaries, and postcapillary venules, and is responsible for regulating blood flow, oxygen delivery, and nutrient exchange at the tissue level.

Microvenator

Microvenator is a genus of small, feathered theropod dinosaurs that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, around 125-100 million years ago. The name "Microvenator" means "little hunter" in Greek, as it was a small carnivorous dinosaur, approximately 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) in length.

Microvesicular

Microvesicular refers to small vesicles or sacs that are too small to be visible with the naked eye. In medical contexts, it often refers to extremely small fragments of cell membrane that are shed into the bloodstream or other bodily fluids, often as a response to injury or disease.

Microvillar

Microvillar refers to very small villi, which are small, finger-like projections that line the walls of the small intestine and play a crucial role in nutrient absorption and gut health. In a broader sense, microvilli can also refer to any small, hair-like projections on a cell surface that increase the surface area of the cell, facilitating interactions with other cells, molecules, or substances.

Microvillus

Microvillus refers to a small projection or filament found on the surface of certain cells, such as epithelial cells, that plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption. Microvilli (the plural form of microvillus) increase the surface area of these cells, allowing for more efficient absorption of nutrients and other substances. They can be found in various tissues and organs, including the small intestine, lungs, and kidneys.

Microvolt

Microvolts

Microware

Microwatt

Microwatts

Microwatts is a unit of power in the International System of Units (SI), equal to one-millionth (1/1,000,000) of a watt. It is commonly used to measure the power of small electric devices or signals.