Epithelial cells of the intestine involved in food absorption have...

In the small intestine, the cells contain microvilli, which are tiny hair-like projections that increase nutrient absorption. These projections increase the surface area of the small intestine allowing more area for nutrients to be absorbed. Zymogen granules are specialized storage organelles in organs that secrete digestive enzymes that allow the sorting, packaging and regulated apical secretion of the enzymes. Pinocytosis is a mode of endocytosis in which liquid droplets are brought into the cell, forming an invagination, and then suspended within small vesicles. Phagocytic vesicles are membrane-bound intracellular vesicle that arises from the ingestion of particulate material by phagocytosis. Caution Zymogen (chief) cells produce the enzymes pepsin and rennin. (Pepsin digests proteins, and rennin curdles milk.)