seta

setae of a Uroplatus

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 the gecko's ability to cling to vertical surfaces.

Setae help earthworms attach to the surface and prevent backsliding during peristaltic motion. These hairs are what make it difficult to pull a worm straight from the ground.

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

See also

• Chaeta

• Synthetic setae

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