microfilament

microfilament

 [mi″kro-fil´ah-ment]

any of the submicroscopic filaments, composed chiefly of actin, found in the cytoplasmic matrix of almost all cells, often in close association with the microtubules.

mi·cro·fil·a·ment

(mī'krō-fil'ă-ment),

The finest filamentous element of the cytoskeleton, having a diameter of about 5 nm and consisting primarily of actin.
See also: actin filament.

microfilament

(mī′krō-fĭl′ə-mənt)

n.

Any of the actin-containing filaments that are found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells and are involved in generating cell movement, providing structural support, and organizing internal cell components. Microfilaments, along with intermediate filaments and microtubules, make up a cell's cytoskeleton.

---

mi′cro·fil′a·men′tous (-mĕn′təs) adj.

microfilament

Any of a group of elongated, 5–7 nm in diameter, cytoplasmic fibres composed predominantly of actin, which form a cytoskeletal latticework.

mi·cro·fil·a·ment

(mī'krō-fil'ă-mĕnt)

The finest filamentous element of the cytoskeleton, having a diameter of about 5 nm and consisting primarily of actin.
See also: actin filament

microfilament

a fine, subcellular structure about 5–8 nm in diameter, composed of ACTIN or a similar protein and found in the cytoplasm of EUKARYOTE cells. Microfilaments are able to contract and are also involved in CYTOPLASMIC STREAMING and PHAGOCYTOSIS.