Seta

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Seta (disambiguation).

A seta is a stiff hair, bristle, or bristle-like process or part of an organism. The plural form is setae.

In plants (i.e., botanical terminology), "seta" is synonymous with bristle—a stiff, strong hair or trichome. The term can also be applied to a modified hair-like structure, such as a pappus: a modified calyx in the Asteraceae.

Setae on their footpads are responsible for geckos' ability to cling to vertical surfaces.

Setae help earthworms attach to the surface and prevent backsliding during peristaltic motion.

Setae on the legs of krill help them to gather phytoplankton.

[edit] See also

• Chaeta