Filopodia
Filopodia
Filopodia (pronounced: /ˌfɪləˈpoʊdiə/; singular: filopodium) are slender cytoplasmic projections that extend beyond the leading edge of lamellipodia in migrating cells.
Etymology
The term "filopodia" is derived from the Latin words filum meaning "thread" and podium meaning "foot".
Definition
Filopodia are thin, tubular extensions of the cell membrane, filled with parallel bundles of actin filaments. They are involved in sensing the cellular environment, in cell-to-cell communication, and in guiding cell movement during development and wound healing.
Structure
Filopodia are composed of a core of tightly bundled actin filaments, surrounded by a sheath of plasma membrane. The actin filaments are oriented with their plus ends towards the tip of the filopodium, which allows for rapid polymerization and depolymerization of the actin filaments, enabling the filopodium to extend and retract.
Function
Filopodia play a crucial role in many cellular processes, including cell motility, cell adhesion, and cell signaling. They act as sensory antennae, probing the cell's environment for chemical and mechanical signals, and transmitting these signals to the cell body. Filopodia also play a key role in the formation of synapses in neurons, and in the guidance of neuronal growth cones.
Related Terms
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.