cytoskeleton

noun

cy·​to·​skel·​e·​ton ˌsī-tə-ˈske-lə-tən 

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

cytoskeletal

ˌsī-tə-ˈske-lə-tᵊl 

adjective

Examples of cytoskeleton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The cytoskeleton provides most cells with their shape, structure, and internal organization. —New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2024

In turn, the cytoskeleton relies on a type of actin protein, called filamentous or F-actin. —New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2024

Those cells reveal some eukaryote-like features (opens a new tab), such as a cytoskeleton built with the protein actin. —Quanta Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024

With their photograph, the two neuroscientists at Augusta University showed how disturbances to the structural framework of a cell, known as its cytoskeleton, can lead to diseases like Alzheimer’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cytoskeleton

noun

cy·​to·​skel·​e·​ton ˌsīt-ō-ˈskel-ət-ᵊn 

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

cytoskeletal

-ᵊl 

adjective