cytoskeleton

cy·to·skel·e·ton

noun \ˌsī-tə-ˈske-lə-tən\

Definition of CYTOSKELETON

: the network of protein filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm that controls cell shape, maintains intracellular organization, and is involved in cell movement

— cy·to·skel·e·tal \-t^əl\ adjective

First Known Use of CYTOSKELETON

1940

cy·to·skel·e·ton

noun \ˌsīt-ō-ˈskel-ət-^ən\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CYTOSKELETON

: the network of protein filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm that controls cell shape, maintains intracellular organization, and is involved in cell movement

—cy·to·skel·e·tal \-^əl\ adjective

cytoskeleton

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

System of microscopic filaments or fibres, present in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells (see eukaryote), that organizes other cell components, maintains cell shape, and is responsible for cell locomotion and for movement of the organelles within it. Three major types of filaments make up the cytoskeleton: actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Actin filaments occur as constantly changing bundles of parallel fibres; they help determine cell shape, help the cell adhere to surfaces, help the cell move, and assist in cell division during mitosis. Intermediate filaments are very stable structures that form the cell's true skeleton; they anchor the nucleus within the cell and give the cell its elastic properties.