Cilia are made up of microtubules arranged in a '9+2' structure.
They can be motile (for movement) or non-motile (for sensory functions).
Motile cilia beat in a coordinated manner to move fluid or mucus across cell surfaces.
Non-motile cilia, also known as primary cilia, act as sensory organelles.
Defects in cilia function can lead to diseases known as ciliopathies.
Review Questions
What is the structural arrangement of microtubules in cilia?
What are the two main types of cilia and their functions?
How do defects in ciliary function affect human health?
Related terms
Flagella: Whip-like structures used for cell movement, similar to cilia but usually longer and fewer per cell.
Microtubules: Cylindrical structures that form part of the cytoskeleton and are essential for cell division, intracellular transport, and maintaining cell shape.
Basal Body: A structure located at the base of a cilium or flagellum that organizes the microtubules within these organelles.