Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
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
Syncytia are commonly observed in parasitic flatworms such as cestodes (tapeworms), where they form protective teguments.
The syncytial layer in certain flatworms serves as a barrier against host digestive enzymes and immune responses.
In rotifers, syncytial tissues can be involved in nutrient absorption and distribution throughout the organism.
Syncytial cells are essential for the development of muscle tissues in some nematodes, like Caenorhabditis elegans.
Tardigrades have syncytial structures that help them withstand extreme environmental conditions by providing structural integrity.
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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