Final answer:
Cilia are the hair-like structures that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, playing crucial roles in movement and function of certain cells, aiding processes like clearing respiratory pathways and facilitating ovum transport in the reproductive system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The little hairs that convert mechanical energy to electrical energy in the human body are known as cilia. These are relatively short, hair-like structures found on the surface of certain cells. They play various roles depending on where they are located in the body. For example, ciliated epithelial cells found in the respiratory tract move in a coordinated fashion to push mucus secretions and trapped particles away from the lungs, helping to keep the breathing passages clear of debris and potentially harmful substances. On the other hand, in the reproductive system, cilia located in the Fallopian tubes aid in moving the egg towards the uterus.
These structures are composed of microtubules arranged in a specific 9+2 pattern and are powered by motor proteins that allow motion. Both cilia and flagella utilize this energy conversion to perform their locomotive functions or to move substances along the outer surface of the cell. However, it's essential to differentiate between cilia and flagella; flagella are longer and fewer in number, often used to propel an entire cell, like sperm cells, while cilia are more numerous and shorter, performing more localized movements.