Question #c59c4
1 Answer
Jul 23, 2016
Cilium (pleural: cilia)
Explanation:
Many epithelial cells of animals have small, hair-like projections on their membranes, these are called cilia. There are two different types of cilia:
- motile cilia
- non-motile cilia
Motile cilia
These small moving structures usually display a rhythmic waving motion. Cells with motile cilia can be found in:
- respiratory tract and lungs : keeps the airways clear of foreign particles and mucus
- middle ear: convert stimuli into electric stimuli for hearing
Non-motile cilia
These are also called 'primary cilia' and have a function in sensing the environment. Cells wit non-motile cilia can be found in:
- kidney: the cilia bend with the flow of urine alerting the cells that there is urine to process.
- eye: the cilia function as a road to transport important molecules in light-sensing cells.