Epithelial cells of the intestine involved in food absorption have on their surface -

Epithelial cells of the intestine involved in food absorption have on their surface -
A Zymogen granules
B Pinocytic vesicles
C Phagocytic vesicles
D Microvilli

Detailed Solution

The inner surface of the small intestine is folded and bears finger-like projections called villi.
The columnar epithelial cells lining the villi have numerous fine, cytoplasmic projections on their free surface called microvilli.
Under the microscope the microvilli give a brush border appearance.
The microvilli enormously increase the surface area for the absorption of digested food, and they carry digestive enzymes as well.
Zymogen granules are found in enzyme-secreting cells such as those of the pancreas and gastric glands, not on the surface of absorptive cells.
So the absorptive epithelial cells of the intestine have microvilli on their surface.

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