Syncytial
Syncytial
Syncytial (pronunciation: sin-si-shul) is a term used in the field of biology and medicine to describe a certain type of cell structure.
Etymology
The term 'Syncytial' is derived from the Greek words 'syn' meaning 'together' and 'kytos' meaning 'cell'.
Definition
A syncytial or syncytium refers to a multi-nucleated cell that can result from multiple cell fusions of uninuclear cells (i.e., cells with a single nucleus). This is in contrast to a coenocyte, which can result from multiple nuclear divisions without accompanying cell divisions, in a process called endomitosis.
In Medicine
In medicine, the term syncytial often refers to the 'syncytial knots' or 'syncytial sprouts', which are aggregates of syncytiotrophoblasts in the placenta. These structures are important for the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the mother and the fetus.
Related Terms
- Syncytiotrophoblast: The outer layer of the trophoblast, it participates in the formation of the placenta and is a site of syncytial formation.
- Endomitosis: A variant of mitosis, where the cell undergoes nuclear division but not cellular division, leading to a coenocyte.
- Coenocyte: A type of cell with multiple nuclei, resulting from multiple rounds of nuclear division without cell division.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Syncytial
- Wikipedia's article - Syncytial
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