Plural of filopodium; thin, thread-like extensions of cell membranes that help cells move, sense their environment, and interact with neighboring cells.
From Latin filum (thread) and Greek podium (foot). Modern biological term created in early 20th century for cell biology.
Filopodia are like tiny explorers at the cell's frontier—cancer cells grow extra filopodia to scout and invade tissue, which is why understanding them helps researchers fight the disease.
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