Cilia: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฆ
cilia
[ หsษชl.i.ษ ]
cell structure
Cilia are microscopic, hair-like structures that extend from the surface of many types of cells. Their primary function is to facilitate movement and sensory functions in organisms. In multicellular organisms, cilia can help move fluids across the cell surface or propel single-celled organisms through their environments. The presence of cilia is crucial for various physiological processes, including the movement of mucus in the respiratory tract and the transport of eggs within the female reproductive tract.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Cilia play a key role in the respiratory system.
- The paramecium swims using its cilia.
- Cilia help clear debris from the lungs.
Translations
Translations of the word "cilia" in other languages:
๐ต๐น cรญlios
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเฅเคฒเคฟเคฏเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Zilien
๐ฎ๐ฉ silia
๐บ๐ฆ ัะตัะฝะธัะบะธ
๐ต๐ฑ rzฤsy
๐ฏ๐ต ็นๆฏ
๐ซ๐ท cils
๐ช๐ธ cilios
๐น๐ท siller
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฌ๋ชจ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฃูุฏุงุจ
๐จ๐ฟ ลasy
๐ธ๐ฐ riasy
๐จ๐ณ ็บคๆฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ trepalnice
๐ฎ๐ธ vรถxtur
๐ฐ๐ฟ าัะปััาัะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแญแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ tรผklษr
๐ฒ๐ฝ cilios
Etymology
The word 'cilia' comes from the Latin word 'cilium', which means 'eyelid' or 'eyelash.' This etymology is reflective of the structure's hair-like appearance. Cilia were first described in scientific literature during the 17th century, as early microscopes allowed scientists to observe them in various organisms. Initially observed in single-celled organisms, cilia have been found to have essential functions in multicellular animals as well. Over the years, cilia have been studied extensively in fields such as cellular biology, medicine, and genetics, revealing their importance in both health and disease.