Syncytia
Syncytia
Syncytia (pronounced: sin-si-sha) is a term used in the field of biology and medicine to describe a large cell-like structure that is formed by the fusion of multiple cells.
Etymology
The term 'Syncytia' is derived from the Greek words 'syn', meaning 'together', and 'kytos', meaning 'cell'. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the unique cellular structures observed in certain types of tissue.
Definition
A syncytium is a multinucleated cell which can result from multiple cell fusions of uninuclear cells (i.e., cells with a single nucleus), in contrast to a polyploid cell, which can occur by cell division without cytokinesis and subsequent nuclear division.
Formation
Syncytia formation is a common phenomenon in mammalian development and disease. It occurs when the plasma membranes of cells fuse together to create a single, larger cell with multiple nuclei. This process is often facilitated by viral infections, such as HIV, which can cause the host cells to fuse together.
Function
In the human body, syncytia play a crucial role in various physiological processes. For example, in the placenta, the outer layer of cells (the syncytiotrophoblast) is a syncytium. This structure allows for the efficient exchange of nutrients and waste products between the mother and the fetus. Similarly, in the heart, the cardiac muscle cells form a functional syncytium that allows for the rapid and coordinated contraction of the heart muscle.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Syncytia
- Wikipedia's article - Syncytia
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