metachronal wave

The term "metachronal wave" refers to the coordinated beating of cilia or flagella on a cell's surface. This synchronized movement creates a wave-like pattern that propels the organism through its environment.1

Cilia are short, hair-like structures, while flagella are longer, whip-like appendages. Both are similar in structure and function, though flagella tend to be longer. In ciliates, numerous cilia beat in coordinated rows, generating a metachronal wave that allows for efficient locomotion. This synchronized beating is crucial for movement, with hydrodynamic linkages between cilia ensuring a coordinated pattern. These organelles are also involved in sensory functions, detecting changes in the surrounding medium.12