Small intestine lining. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of cells on the lining (mucosa) of the small intestine. This is part of a villus, one of the many projections of the mucosa which provide a surface for the absorption of digested food. The epithelium of the villus is formed from absorptive enterocyte cells (brown). Their surface is covered with many microvilli, microscopic hair-like structures which greatly increase the surface area for absorption. Magnification: x6000 at 6x6cm size.