Question

in an animal cell, what is a/are microvilli?

Answer 1

A fringe like edge of the cell membrane supported by the cytoskeleton.

Answer 2

Basically, microvilli increase the cell's surface area to volume ratio so molecules (nutrients, in the context of the oft cited microvilli in intestinal cells) diffuse across the membrane and into the cell faster.

Answer 3

I think microvilli is also in the cells of the ear, which plays a differnt role other than increasing surface area?

Answer 4

They are protrusions of the the cellular membrane which are primarily there to increase surface of the cell.