Cilia are neither male nor female. Cilia are microscopic, hair-like structures found on the surface of many cells in both males and females. They play various roles depending on their location in the body.
Cilia in the Reproductive System
Multiple sources confirm the presence of motile cilia in both male and female reproductive tracts.
-
Female Reproductive Tract: In females, cilia in the oviducts (fallopian tubes) help transport eggs and embryos towards the uterus for implantation. [This is supported by numerous references, including those citing the wave-like motion of oviductal cilia aiding in this transport](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10152180/, https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.1817018116, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30659149/).
-
Male Reproductive Tract: Motile cilia are also found in the male reproductive system, specifically in the efferent ductules. Their exact function is still under research but likely plays a role in sperm transport or fluid movement. [This is corroborated by multiple studies](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6397526/, https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.1817018116, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30659149/).
Cilia in Other Parts of the Body
It's crucial to remember that cilia are not exclusive to the reproductive system. They're present in various locations throughout the body, including:
- Respiratory system (trachea and lungs)
- Central nervous system
The function of cilia varies depending on their location but generally involves movement of fluids or particles. Therefore, assigning a gender to cilia is inaccurate. They are cellular structures found in both sexes.
