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...
Non-Mendelian Inheritance
In this tutorial, find out more about certain types of inheritance that does not follow the Mendelian inheritance patter..
Freshwater Lentic Communities & Animals
This tutorial looks at some of the communities in freshwater lentic habitats. For instance, symbiosis occurs in a commun..
Genetic Engineering Advantages & Disadvantages
This tutorial presents the benefits and the possible adverse eventualities of genetic engineering. Know more about this ..
Human Perception – Neurology
This tutorial investigates perception as two people can interpret the same thing differently. Know more about human perc..
Insects
There are more species of insects than any other species combined. This surely illustrates that insects have the selecti..
Homeostasis of Organism Water Regulation
Osmoregulation is the regulation of water concentrations in the bloodstream, effectively controlling the amount of water..