Stereocilia

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Stereocilia

Stereocilia (/ˌstɛriːoʊˈsɪliə/; singular: stereocilium) are specialized microvilli that are present on the apical surface of certain cells, particularly in the inner ear and the male reproductive system. They are not true cilia as they lack the central pair of microtubules, hence the name "stereocilia" is somewhat of a misnomer.

Etymology

The term "stereocilia" is derived from the Greek words "stereos" meaning solid, and "kilia" meaning hairs. This refers to their hair-like appearance under the microscope.

Function

In the inner ear, stereocilia are arranged in a graduated pattern on the surface of hair cells and play a crucial role in the transduction of sound vibrations into neural signals. In the male reproductive system, they are found on the surface of epididymal cells and are involved in the absorption of excess fluid from the lumen.

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