Brush border

Definition

A brush border is a microvilli-covered surface found on the epithelial cells of the small intestine and kidney, which significantly increases the surface area for absorption and secretion. These densely packed microvilli give the cell's surface a brush-like appearance under a microscope.

Related terms

Microvilli:

Tiny hair-like structures that extend from the plasma membrane of epithelial cells, increasing surface area for absorption.

Absorption:

The process by which nutrients from digested food are taken up into the blood or lymph from the gastrointestinal tract.

Epithelial Cells:

Cells that line the surfaces of organs and structures throughout the body, playing roles in protection, secretion, and absorption