cytoskeleton
[si″to-skel´ĕ-ton] a conspicuous internal reinforcement in the cytoplasm of a cell, consisting of tonofibrils, filaments of the terminal web, and other microfilaments. adj., adj cytoskel´etal.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
cy·to·skel·e·ton
(sī'tō-skel'ĕ-ton), In cells, the microtubules and the filaments (thin, intermediate, and thick) that serve as supportive cytoplasmic elements to stiffen cells or to organize the location and movement of intracellular organelles.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
cytoskeleton
(sī′tə-skĕl′ĭ-tn)n. The internal framework of a eukaryotic cell, composed of protein filaments that provide structural support and drive the movement of the cell and its internal components, typically divided into three categories (microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules) based on the diameter and composition of the filaments.
cy′to·skel′e·tal (-ĭ-tl) adj.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
cy·to·skel·e·ton
(sī'tō-skel'ĕ-tŏn) The tonofilaments, keratin, desmin, neurofilaments, or other intermediate filaments serving as supportive cytoplasmic elements to stiffen cells or to organize intracellular organelles.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
cytoskeleton
A complex network of ACTIN filaments within the nucleated cell. Unlike the bony skeleton in vertebrates, this skeleton has contractile properties and can alter the shape, size and even movement, of the cell. The cytoskeleton is also concerned with the adhesion of adjacent cells.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
cytoskeleton
a network of MICROTUBULES and MICROFILAMENTS in the cytoplasm of cells which is thought to give the cell its characteristic shape. The network enables the movement of specific organelles within the cytoplasm (as in vesicles produced by the GOLGI APPARATUS), and the production of general CYTOPLASMIC STREAMING.Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005
cy·to·skel·e·ton
(sī'tō-skel'ĕ-tŏn) The tonofilaments, keratin, desmin, neurofilaments, or other intermediate filaments serving as supportive cytoplasmic elements to stiffen cells or to organize intracellular organelles.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012