axoneme
|ax-o-neme|
/ˈæk.sə.niːm/
axis-like core of a cilium/flagellum
Etymology
'axoneme' originates from Modern New Latin/modern scientific coinage, combining the Greek element 'axōn' meaning 'axis' or 'axle' with the suffix '-eme' (used to denote a structural or constituent unit).
'axoneme' was formed in scientific usage by combining 'axon-' (from Greek 'axōn') with the suffix '-eme' and entered English anatomical/cell-biology vocabulary in the late 19th to early 20th century as 'axoneme'.
Initially described more generally as an 'axial filament' or 'axis-like element'; over time it came to denote specifically the microtubular core structure of cilia and flagella involved in their motility.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the central shaft/core of a eukaryotic cilium or flagellum, typically composed of microtubules arranged in a 9+2 (or 9+0) pattern and associated proteins; the structural unit responsible for ciliary/flagellar movement.
The axoneme is composed of microtubules arranged in a characteristic 9+2 pattern that enables ciliary beating.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/06 11:38