Kinocilium

Kinocilium is a type of cilium found in the sensory receptor cells of the inner ear. It is the longest cilium and plays a crucial role in the detection of mechanical stimuli such as sound and acceleration.

Structure

The kinocilium is a non-motile cilium, meaning it does not actively beat or move. It is anchored to the cell body by a basal body, and its core structure is made up of microtubules arranged in a 9+2 pattern. This is a characteristic feature of cilia and is known as the axoneme. The kinocilium is surrounded by a plasma membrane and is filled with a gel-like substance called axonoplasm.

Function

The primary function of the kinocilium is to detect mechanical stimuli and convert them into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. This is achieved through the bending of the kinocilium, which opens mechanically gated ion channels in the cell membrane. The influx of ions into the cell generates an electrical signal that is transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve.

In the inner ear, the kinocilium is associated with a group of shorter cilia known as stereocilia. The stereocilia are arranged in a graduated pattern around the kinocilium, forming a structure known as the hair bundle. The hair bundle is crucial for the detection of sound and acceleration.

Clinical significance

Defects in the structure or function of the kinocilium can lead to hearing loss and balance disorders. For example, mutations in genes that are involved in the formation and maintenance of the kinocilium can cause Usher syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by hearing loss and progressive vision loss.

See also

• Cilium
• Stereocilia
• Usher syndrome

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