Ciliated Epithelium

Ciliated epithelium refers to a type of epithelial tissue that consists of cuboidal or columnar cells with cilia. Cilia are hair-like structures present on the surface of these cells that play a crucial role in various physiological processes.

Structure of Ciliated Epithelium

- Cell Shape: The cells of ciliated epithelium are typically cuboidal or columnar in shape.
- Cilia: These cells bear numerous cilia, which are microtubule-based structures extending from the cell surface. Cilia are composed of a central pair of microtubules surrounded by nine pairs of microtubules in a ring-shaped structure called the axoneme.
- Basal Body: Each cilium arises from a basal body, which is a modified centriole located at the base of the cilium.
- Function: The cilia in ciliated epithelium have rhythmic beating movements that facilitate the movement of various substances across the epithelial surface.

Functions of Ciliated Epithelium

Ciliated epithelium serves several important functions in different parts of the body:

- Mucociliary Escalator: In the respiratory tract, ciliated epithelium lines the airways and helps in the clearance of mucus and foreign particles. The coordinated beating of cilia propels the mucus upward, away from the lungs, preventing the accumulation of debris and pathogens.
- Oocyte Transport: In the female reproductive system, ciliated epithelium in the fallopian tubes helps in the transport of oocytes from the ovaries to the uterus. The beating of cilia creates fluid currents that aid in moving the oocytes towards their destination.
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulation: Ciliated epithelium lines the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. The rhythmic beating of cilia in these regions facilitates the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, which helps in maintaining the brain and spinal cord environment.
- Smell and Taste Sensation: Cilia on the olfactory receptor cells in the nasal cavity and taste receptor cells in the taste buds help in detecting and transmitting sensory signals related to smell and taste.

In conclusion, cuboidal or columnar cells with cilia are called ciliated epithelium. These cells play vital roles in various physiological processes such as mucociliary clearance, oocyte transport, cerebrospinal fluid circulation, and sensory perception.

When the columnar or cubloidal cells bear cilia on their free surface they are called ciliated epithelium . There function is to move partical and mucus in a specific direction over the epithelium organ like bronchioles and fallopian tubules.

so , option A is correct option .