Dictionary > Syncytium

Syncytium

Definition
noun, plural: syncytia
An epithelium or tissue characterized by cytoplasmic continuity, or a large mass of cytoplasm not separated into individual cells and containing many nuclei.
Supplement
Syncytium may be formed by the fusion of two or more cells, forming a giant cell. An example of syncytium can be found in skeletal muscles, which is essential since it allows rapid coordinated contraction of muscles along the entire length.
Word origin: New Latin syn- (together with) + cyto (cell) + -ium.

Related forms: syncytial (adjective)
Variant: syncitium
Related terms:

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