Ciliated Cell

A ciliated cell is a specialised animal cell that moves mucus along the trachea and bronchi ¹. Its surface carries many fine, hair-like cilia that beat in a coordinated wave.

    cilia beating upwards
    ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )
  ┌─────────────────────┐
  │   ciliated cell     │  mucus + trapped dust
  └─────────────────────┘  and pathogens swept
        lining of trachea   away from the lungs

Function and Adaptations

• Many cilia on one surface — the beating sweeps mucus in one direction, carrying trapped dust and microorganisms away from the lungs rather than letting them settle in the airways.
• Thin, elongated cell — forms a continuous lining of the trachea and bronchi.
• Movement of a part of an organism — the cilia show that movement is defined for an organism or part of an organism, not only for whole-body locomotion.

Why It Matters

The ciliated lining keeps the airways clear, so the features of the gas exchange surfaces — large surface area, thin surface, good blood supply and good ventilation with air — can do their work in the alveoli ¹. Mucus and trapped particles are carried away from the lungs instead of settling where gas exchange happens.

Related

• Cell - Specialised cells have specific functions.
• Movement - Cilia move a part of the body without locomotion.
• Respiration - Cellular reactions that release energy.
• Sensitivity - Coughing is a coordinated response to irritation.
• Biology - Cambridge IGCSE life-science area.