MULTICELLULAR SPHEROID Meaning and
Definition
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A multicellular spheroid is a three-dimensional structure composed of multiple cells that have aggregated together and established intercellular contacts, forming a cohesive sphere-like cluster. This cell cluster exhibits distinct cellular organization and functional properties, mimicking the architecture and behavior of a small tissue or organ. Multicellular spheroids are primarily created through in vitro cell culture techniques, wherein cells are induced to aggregate and self-assemble by various means, such as suspension culture, hanging drop technique, or bioprinting.
The main characteristic of a multicellular spheroid is the presence of cell-to-cell interactions, which enable the cells to communicate, exchange signals, and mutually influence each other's behavior. Due to this intercellular communication, spheroids develop distinct tissue-like characteristics, including diverse cell types, partial differentiation, and spatial organization. Furthermore, multicellular spheroids often exhibit enhanced physiological relevance and functionality compared to conventional two-dimensional cell cultures, as they better recapitulate the cellular microenvironment found in living tissues.
Multicellular spheroids are widely used as experimental models in various scientific fields, particularly in cancer research, drug discovery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. These cellular aggregates offer a platform to study cell-cell interactions, cell signaling, drug response, cellular differentiation, gene expression, and other biological processes in a more physiologically relevant setting. Their three-dimensional nature provides researchers with a useful tool to explore complex cellular behaviors, investigate disease mechanisms, screen potential therapeutic compounds, and develop novel treatment strategies.
Common Misspellings for MULTICELLULAR SPHEROID
- nulticellular spheroid
- kulticellular spheroid
- julticellular spheroid
- mylticellular spheroid
- mhlticellular spheroid
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- milticellular spheroid
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- mukticellular spheroid
- mupticellular spheroid
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- mulficellular spheroid
- mulgicellular spheroid
- mulyicellular spheroid
- mul6icellular spheroid
- mul5icellular spheroid
- multucellular spheroid
- multjcellular spheroid
Etymology of MULTICELLULAR SPHEROID
The etymology of the phrase "Multicellular Spheroid" breaks down as follows:
1. Multicellular: The word "multicellular" is formed by combining two Latin roots - "multi-" meaning "many" or "multiple" and "cellula" meaning "small room" or "cell". Thus, "multicellular" refers to an organism or structure made up of many cells.
2. Spheroid: The term "spheroid" originates from the Greek word "sphaira", meaning "sphere", and the suffix "-oid", which means "resembling" or "having the shape of". Therefore, "spheroid" describes an object or structure that resembles a sphere.
When these two terms are combined, "multicellular spheroid" refers to a structure composed of multiple cells with a spherical or nearly spherical shape.
