In human biology (Class 9 - Tissues), epithelial tissues form the protective outer layer of the body and the inner lining of various organs. One very specialized type of this lining is the Ciliated Epithelial Tissue.
Smoking cigarettes paralyzes and eventually destroys the cilia in the respiratory tract. Without cilia to sweep away the dirt, smokers develop a heavy 'smoker's cough' to clear their lungs.
Cilia require massive amounts of ATP (cellular energy) to keep beating constantly.
They are also found in the ventricles of the brain, helping to circulate cerebrospinal fluid.
It is a type of epithelial tissue where the cells are mostly columnar (tall, pillar-like) or cuboidal. What makes them unique is that the top surface of these cells is covered with hundreds of tiny, hair-like projections called cilia.
The primary function of this tissue is movement. The tiny cilia are not stationary; they beat or wave rapidly in a specific, coordinated direction. This sweeping motion is used to move particles, mucus, or fluids across the surface of the tissue.
Because of its sweeping function, it is located in specific tracts of the body:
Cilia are movable, hair-like structures designed to sweep materials across a surface. Microvilli are stationary, finger-like folds designed to increase the surface area of a cell for maximum absorption (like in the small intestine).
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