The intestinal epithelial cells, 22 to 26 mm. tall, exhibit a striated luminal border (brush border). The brush border microvilli:

A. Produce the brush border appearance.

C. Contain dissacharidases

D. Increase absorptive area

E. Play an important role in digestion.

DISCUSSION: The columnar epithelial cells are responsible for absorption. These cells exhibit a striated luminal border or brush border. The microvilli account for the appearance of the brush border. The microvilli greatly increase the absorption surface of the epithelial cell. The brush border contains disaccharidase in high concentrations. In addition to increasing surface area the microvilli perform an important digestive function.