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( Microvilli)
Microvilli (singular microvillus) are structures that increase the surface area of cells, and are involved in a wide variety of functions, including absorption, secretion, cellular adhesion, and mechanotransduction. Thousands of microvilli form a structure called the brush border that is found on the apical surface of some epithelial cells, such as the small intestinal enterocyte and the kidney proximal tubule. Microvilli also occur in sensory cells of the inner ear (as stereocilia), in the cells of taste buds, and in olfactory receptor cells. Microvilli are observed on the plasma surface of eggs, aiding in the anchoring of sperm cells that have penetrated the extracellular coat of egg cells. Clustering of elongated microtubules around a sperm allows for it to be drawn closer and held firmly so fusion can occur.
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