Cilia are bigger than microvilli.
Understanding Cilia and Microvilli
Both cilia and microvilli are hair-like structures found on the surface of some cells, but they differ significantly in size and function.
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Cilia: These are longer and thicker than microvilli. They are typically about 10µm long and 0.2µm in diameter. Cilia are motile, meaning they can move, and play a crucial role in various functions, including moving fluids or particles across cell surfaces (e.g., in the respiratory tract). [Source: Numerous sources confirm this, including the provided text snippets which state that cilia are longer and thicker than microvilli.]
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Microvilli: These are much shorter and thinner than cilia. They are primarily involved in increasing the surface area of a cell, which is important for absorption (e.g., in the intestines). They are non-motile. [Source: Study.com lesson on Microvilli vs. Cilia, and other provided text snippets highlighting their size difference and immobility.]
Key Differences Summarized:
| Feature | Cilia | Microvilli |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Longer and thicker | Shorter and thinner |
| Motility | Motile (can move) | Non-motile (cannot move) |
| Primary Function | Movement of fluids/particles | Increased surface area for absorption |
Several research papers mention both cilia and microvilli, often in the context of their roles in sensory perception and cellular processes [Sources: Various provided research articles, such as those from Nature, PNAS, Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, and BMC Neuroscience]. These studies further support the size difference described above. For instance, one study even notes observing both cilia and microvilli within a single cell, underlining their distinct nature and different length scales [Source: PNAS article on coexistence of microvillous and ciliary structures].
