Definition
noun, plural: cilia
(biology)
Microscopic, hair-like projection on the surfaces of some cells and of certain organisms.
(botany)
Any of the hair forming a fringe along the margin or edge of a plant structure, e.g. of a leaf.
(anatomy)
The eyelash.
Supplement
Cilia are generally of two kinds: motile cilia (for locomotion) and non-motile cilia (for sensory). Example of tissue cells with cilia are the epithelia lining the lungs that sweep away fluids or particles. Examples of organisms that have cilia are protozoans that use them for movement.
Word origin: NL, pl. of cilium eyelash, L: upper eyelid.
Related phrases: immotile cilia syndrome.
Compare: flagellum.
Dictionary > Cilium
You will also like...
Early Mammals on Earth
The Earth's ecosphere was rapidly changing and throwing up a wide range of ecological niches that new adaptive organisms..
Physical Development in Humans
This tutorial elaborates on the physical development of humans, particularly from puberty to adulthood. Read this tutori..
Fish
The sea was teeming with life. Eventually, through reproduction and continued variation, fish came about. There are over..
Growth and Plant Hormones
Plants, like animals, produce hormones to regulate plant activities, including growth. They need these hormones to respo..
Geological Periods
Geological periods is a study guide that cites the different geological periods on Earth's timeline. Each has a brief ov..
Passive and Active Types of Immunity
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell capable of producing a specific immune response to unique antigens. In thi..