Which structural modification of the small intestine increases the surface area for absorption the most, providing a 'brush border' appearance under the microscope?
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Correct answer: Microvilli
Microvilli are tiny projections on the apical surface of individual enterocytes. While plicae and villi increase surface area significantly, the microvilli provide the largest increase (about 20-fold), totaling a surface area roughly the size of a tennis court.
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