crista (pl. cristae) An infolding of the inner membrane of a mitochondrion that projects into the matrix of the organelle. Cristae bear numerous mushroom-shaped bodies, variously called respiratory assemblies, stalk bodies, or elementary particles, which contain certain of the enzymes involved in ATP synthesis.

crista (pl. cristae) An infolding of the inner membrane of a mitochondrion that projects into the matrix of the organelle. Cristae bear numerous mushroom-shaped bodies, variously called respiratory assemblies, stalk bodies, or elementary particles, which contain certain of the enzymes involved in ATP synthesis.

crista
1. See semicircular canals.

2. See mitochondrion.

crista (krist-ă) n. (pl. cristae)
1. the sensory structure within the ampulla of a semicircular canal within the inner ear.

2. one of the infoldings of the inner membrane of a mitochondrion.

3. any anatomical structure resembling a crest.