Cell Movement & Cytoskeleton

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to cell movement and the cytoskeleton, focusing on motor proteins, types of cilia, and associated functions.

Intrinsic Movement

Movement that occurs within a cell, such as motor proteins transporting cargo along microtubules.

Ciliated Epithelial Cells

Cells that possess cilia to move mucus over their surfaces, commonly found in the trachea.

Kinesin

A motor protein that moves towards the positive end of microtubules.

Dynein

A motor protein that moves towards the negative end of microtubules.

Actin Filaments

Cytoskeletal structures that have a plus and minus end, involved in various types of cellular movements.

Intermediate Filaments (IFs)

Cytoskeletal elements that do not exhibit structural polarity and thus are not associated with motor proteins.

Axonemal Structure

The arrangement of microtubules in cilia and flagella, typically comprising a 9+2 structure.

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)

A genetic disorder that causes defective cilia, leading to various health issues.

Situs Inversus

A congenital condition where the major visceral organs are reversed or mirrored from their normal positions.

Sensory Cilia

Cilia that detect external signals and are involved in sensory functions, such as olfaction.

Microtubules (MTs)

Cytoskeletal components that play vital roles in cell organization and intracellular movement.

Cell Motility

The ability of a cell to move and navigate through its environment, often facilitated by cytoskeletal elements.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that aid in the movement of many cells, such as sperm.

Cilia

Short, hair-like structures that can move fluids over cell surfaces and play roles in motility and sensory functions.

Mucociliary Escalator

A mechanism in the respiratory system where ciliated epithelial cells move mucus and debris out of the airways.