cytoskeleton

American  

[sahy-tuh-skel-i-tn] / ˌsaɪ təˈskɛl ɪ tn /

noun

Cell Biology.

1. a shifting lattice arrangement of structural and contractile components distributed throughout the cell cytoplasm, composed of microtubules, microfilaments, and larger filaments, functioning as a structural support and transport mechanism.

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cytoskeleton British  

/ ˈsaɪtəʊˌskɛlɪtən /

noun

1. a network of fibrous proteins that governs the shape and movement of a biological cell

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cytoskeleton Scientific  

/ sī′tə-skĕl′ĭ-tn /

1. The internal framework of a cell, composed of a network of protein filaments and extending throughout the fluid of the cell (the cytosol). The cytoskeleton consists mainly of actin filaments and microtubules and plays an important role in cell movement, shape, growth, division, and differentiation, as well as in the movement of organelles within the cell. All eukaryotic cells have a cytoskeleton.

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cytoskeleton Cultural  

1. The inner structural elements, or backbone, of a cell. It consists of microtubules and various filaments that spread out through the cytoplasm, providing both structural support and a means of transport within the cell.

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Other Word Forms

• cytoskeletal adjective

Etymology

Origin of cytoskeleton

cyto- + skeleton

Example Sentences

Crocker's team is now revisiting the system that first sparked his interest in foams: the cytoskeleton, the microscopic framework inside cells that supports life.

From Science Daily • Jan. 15, 2026

Like foam, the cytoskeleton must continually reorganize while preserving its overall structure.

From Science Daily • Jan. 15, 2026

This was accompanied by a re-organization of a protein that assembles and controls cells' mechanically active cytoskeleton.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2024

When the ion fluxes are large or prolonged, they can cause self-assembly of the microtubules and microfilaments for the cytoskeleton.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2024

This allows the cytoskeleton to act as a highly dynamic intracellular wiring network to transmit ion-based information from the membrane to the intracellular organelles, including mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and the nucleus.

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2024