The short hairlike structures made of microtubules that help move cells are called cilia. Cilia are short, hair-like projections that extend from the surface of a cell. They are composed of microtubules, which are long, thin protein filaments. Microtubules are arranged in a characteristic "9+2" pattern in cilia, with nine doublets of microtubules surrounding two central microtubules.

Cilia beat in a coordinated fashion, which helps to move cells or fluids. For example, cilia in the respiratory tract help to move mucus and foreign particles out of the lungs. Cilia in the reproductive tract help to move eggs and sperm.

In addition to their role in cell movement, cilia also have other functions. For example, some cilia are involved in sensing the environment and sending signals to the cell. Other cilia are involved in cell division.