Which of the following best describes cilia?

Prepare for the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with detailed hints and explanations for each question. Excel in your exam preparation!

Cilia are hairlike structures that extend from the surface of certain cells and are capable of movement. They play a vital role in various physiological processes, including the movement of fluids across the cell surface and the propulsion of cells or organisms in a liquid environment. The movement generated by cilia helps to clear debris from respiratory tracts and moves eggs in the female reproductive tract among other functions.

Understanding cilia's role is essential in several biological contexts, particularly in understanding how certain diseases affect respiratory function or how cells communicate and move. The structure of cilia allows them to efficiently sweep materials, contributing to homeostasis in the body and maintaining the health of various tissues.

The other options do not accurately describe the nature or function of cilia. Extensions providing structural support refer more to structures like microfilaments or microtubules, while cell organelles for energy production would refer to mitochondria. Additionally, components of the cell's digestive system would pertain to lysosomes or similar organelles, neither of which aligns with the function of cilia.

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