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.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

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.

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mi′cro·fil′a·men′tous (-mĕn′təs) adj.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

microfilament

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

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

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.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005