A metachronal rhythm or metachronal wave refers to wavy movements produced by the sequential action (as opposed to synchronized) of structures such as cilia, segments of worms or legs. These movements produce the appearance of a travelling wave.

How do metachronal waves generate thrust?

We show that, like other swimming animals, the propulsors of these metachronal swimmers rely on generating negative pressure along their surfaces to generate forward thrust (i.e., suction thrust).

What is metachronous beating of cilia?

Paramecium cells swim and feed by beating their cilia is a coordinated pattern. The beating of cilia in Paramecium is synchronized into waves called metachronal waves that travel along the cell body in a well-defined direction. Thus the beating of cilia in Paramecium is synchronous and metachronous.