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Stereocilia (orstereovilliorvilli) are non-motile apical cell modifications. They are distinct from cilia and microvilli, but are closely related to microvilli. They form single "finger-like" projections that may be branched, with normal cell membrane characteristics. They contain actin. Stereocilia are found in the vas deferens, the epididymis, and the sensory cells of the inner ear.
| Stereocilia | |
|---|---|
Stereocilia of frog inner ear
| |
| Identifiers | |
| MeSH | D059547 |
| TH | H1.00.01.1.01013 |
| Anatomical terms of microanatomy | |
Stereocilia are cylindrical and non-motile. They are much longer and thicker than microvilli, form single "finger-like" projections that may be branched, and have more of the characteristics of the cellular membrane proper. Like microvilli, they contain actin[1] and lack an axoneme. This distinguishes them from cilia.
They do not have a basal body at their base since they do not contain microtubules. They may or may not be covered by a glycocalyx coating. They have no fixed arrangement, different to the structure present in kinocilium.
Stereocilia are found in: