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Cilia

Overview of the cell and its contents.

The cilium (plural: cilia) is a microtubule-based organelle that projects from the cellular membrane of many cells. Cilia can be divided into two types: motile and non-motile.

Motile cilia sway in a wave-like motion in order to generate fluid movement. These types of cilia are found on the surface of cells such as the epithelial cells of upper respiratory and reproductive tract.

Non-motile, or primary cilia do not have the ability to move, and mainly function as cellular antennas to regulate signaling pathways and maintain cell homeostasis. Examples of nonmotile cilia are found on the tubular epithelial cells of the kidney and photoreceptors of the retina.

Terminology English: Cilium (plural: Cilia) 
Latin: Cilium (plural: Cilia)
Types Motile and non-motile cilia 
Examples Motile: Epithelial cells of upper respiratory tract, uterine tube and inner ear
Non-motile
: Epithelial cells of the kidney, photoreceptors of retina
Function Motile: Generate fluid movement; remove foreign particles from the epithelial surface
Non-motile: Cellular antennas that transport signals from the ECM to the intracellular space and maintain cell homeostasis

Continue learning about the structure of the eukaryotic cell in ste study unit below: 

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