Syncytium

Definition

A syncytium is a multinucleated cell that results from the fusion of multiple cells or repeated nuclear division without cytokinesis. In invertebrates, syncytia can play critical roles in tissue formation and function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Syncytia are commonly observed in parasitic flatworms such as cestodes (tapeworms), where they form protective teguments.
2. The syncytial layer in certain flatworms serves as a barrier against host digestive enzymes and immune responses.
3. In rotifers, syncytial tissues can be involved in nutrient absorption and distribution throughout the organism.
4. Syncytial cells are essential for the development of muscle tissues in some nematodes, like Caenorhabditis elegans.
5. Tardigrades have syncytial structures that help them withstand extreme environmental conditions by providing structural integrity.

Review Questions

• What role does the syncytium play in the physiology of parasitic flatworms?
• How do syncytia contribute to the survival mechanisms of tardigrades?
• In what way do syncytial cells participate in nematode muscle development?

Related terms

Tegument: The outer surface layer of parasitic flatworms that is often a syncytium, serving as protection against host defenses

Cytokinesis: The process during cell division where the cytoplasm of a parental cell splits into two daughter cells

Multinucleated Cell: A single cell that contains multiple nuclei, often formed through fusion or failure to complete cytokinesis