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Glossary Anatomy / Term

Cilium

A cilium, or cilia (plural), are small hair-like protuberances on the outside of eukaryotic cells. They are primarily responsible for locomotion, either of the cell itself or of fluids on the cell surface. They are also involved in mechanoreception. There is even a class of microorganisms named for these small structures. Ciliates are protozoans that possess cilia which they use for both locomotion and feeding.

Permanent link Cilium - Creation date 2020-01-26


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