Which term describes hairlike projections on cells that move in a wave-like manner?

Which term describes hairlike projections on cells that move in a wave-like manner?

• A. Cilia
• B. Cocci
• C. Bacilli
• D. Bloodborne pathogens

Answer: (A)

Hairlike projections on cells that move in a wave-like pattern are cilia. These tiny structures line many mucosal surfaces, such as the respiratory tract, and beat in coordinated waves to propel mucus and trapped particles out of the airways. This mucociliary action helps clear microbes and debris, forming a frontline defense in infection control. The other terms refer to different things: cocci and bacilli describe bacterial shapes (spherical and rod-shaped), not cell projections, and bloodborne pathogens are types of disease-causing agents transmitted through blood, not structures on cells.

Hairlike projections on cells that move in a wave-like pattern are cilia. These tiny structures line many mucosal surfaces, such as the respiratory tract, and beat in coordinated waves to propel mucus and trapped particles out of the airways. This mucociliary action helps clear microbes and debris, forming a frontline defense in infection control. The other terms refer to different things: cocci and bacilli describe bacterial shapes (spherical and rod-shaped), not cell projections, and bloodborne pathogens are types of disease-causing agents transmitted through blood, not structures on cells.