1. Plural of axoneme; the core structure of a cilium or flagellum, consisting of nine pairs of microtubules arranged in a circle around a central pair.
Usage: biology; technical; plural form

Examples

• The axonemes of sperm cells enable their characteristic swimming motion.
• Electron microscopy revealed the 9+2 microtubule arrangement typical of axonemes.
• Defects in axoneme structure can lead to reduced cell motility.
• Cilia and flagella both contain axonemes as their structural foundation.
• Scientists studied how axonemes generate the beating patterns necessary for cell movement.