LAMELLIPODIA Meaning and
Definition
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Lamellipodia, also known as lamellipodium (singular), are thin, sheet-like extensions of the cell membrane that are involved in cell movement and migration. They are specialized structures found in the leading edge of migrating cells, particularly those types of cells that are highly motile, such as fibroblasts and immune cells.
These structures consist of a network of filamentous actin (F-actin) that form a broad, fan-shaped protrusion. Lamellipodia play a crucial role in several cellular processes, including cell adhesion, cell shape determination, and cell motility.
Lamellipodia are responsible for the crawling-like movement of cells. They extend and retract, as well as adhere and detach from the underlying substrate. The formation and dynamics of lamellipodia are regulated by a network of regulatory proteins, such as actin-binding proteins, regulators of small GTPases, and other signaling molecules.
The presence of lamellipodia is vital for various physiological processes, including embryonic development, tissue repair, and immune response. Additionally, they are also involved in pathological conditions, such as cancer metastasis, where cells may utilize lamellipodia to invade surrounding tissues.
Overall, lamellipodia are dynamic structures that enable cell movement and migration by providing the necessary protrusive force for the cell to navigate through its environment. Their intricate regulation and function make them an essential component of cellular physiology and pathology.
Common Misspellings for LAMELLIPODIA
- kamellipodia
- pamellipodia
- oamellipodia
- lzmellipodia
- lsmellipodia
- lwmellipodia
- lqmellipodia
- lanellipodia
- lakellipodia
- lajellipodia
- lamwllipodia
- lamsllipodia
- lamdllipodia
- lamrllipodia
- lam4llipodia
- lam3llipodia
- lameklipodia
- lameplipodia
- lameolipodia
- lamelkipodia
Etymology of LAMELLIPODIA
The word "lamellipodia" is derived from the combination of two Latin words: "lamella" and "podium".
- "Lamella" originates from the Latin word "lamina", meaning "thin plate" or "scale". In biology, it refers to a thin, flat, or scale-like structure.
- "Podium" comes from the Latin word "pēs" (stem "pod-"), meaning "foot" or "base".
When combined, "lamellipodia" refers to the thin, sheet-like extensions or membrane protrusions found on the cell surface, specifically in certain types of cells or during cell locomotion. The term is mainly used in the field of cell biology to describe the structures involved in cell movement and migration.
