Intestinal villi. Fluorescent deconvolution light micrograph of a section through microvilli in the wall of the small intestine, showing the glycocalyx (blue). Villi are finger-like projections that greatly increase the surface area of the intestine for the absorption or nutrients. The glycocalyx is a glycoprotein-polysaccharide covering that surrounds the cell membranes of some bacteria, epithelia and other cells. Magnification: x800, when printed 10 centimetres wide.