metachronal rhythm

Fig. 219 Metachronal rhythm . The ‘wave’ pattern of metachronal rhythm.

metachronal rhythm

the beat of cilia (see CILIUM or consecutive limbs (as in the ragworm), where a wave appears to pass forwards through them in much the same way as wind causes the movement of corn in a cornfield. See Fig. 219 . The result of these actions is that the effective movement of liquid over their surface is backwards and the organism moves forwards.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005