| Kinocilium | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | kinocilium |
| TH | H1.00.01.1.01015 |
| FMA | 67323 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
A kinocilium is a special type of cilium on the apex of hair cells located in the sensory epithelium of the vertebrate inner ear. Contrasting with stereocilia, which are numerous, there is only one kinocilium on each hair cell. The kinocilium can be identified by its apical position as well as its enlarged tip.[1]
Together with stereocilia, the kinocilium regulates depolarization and hyperpolarization of the hair cell, which is a neuron that can generate action potentials. When the stereocilia and kinocilium move further apart, the cell hyperpolarizes. When they move closer together, the cell depolarizes and may fire an action potential.[1]
- ^ a b Mescher, Anthony L. (2021). "Chapter 23: The Eye & Ear: Special Sense Organs". Junqueira's basic histology: text and atlas. Lange medical books (16th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-1-260-46298-2.