We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve the overall user experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. Read our Privacy Policy
Cilia is a long, swinging protrusion extending from the free surface of a cell, thicker and longer than microvilli, which can be seen under a light microscope. A cell can have hundreds of cilia. Ciliae length is about 5-10 μm, thickness approximately 0.2 μm. There is a dense particle at the root, called the basalbody.
The cilia have the ability to oscillate rhythmically in a certain direction. Many cilia coordinate and sway together, pushing secretions and granular substances adhering to the epithelial surface towards a certain direction. For example, most of the lumen surface of the respiratory tract is ciliated epithelium, which, due to the directional oscillation of cilia, can expel inhaled dust and bacteria.
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve the overall user experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. Read our Privacy Policy