Intermediate Filaments Flashcards
1
Q
Define an intermediate filament
A
Forms the true skeleton of the cell
Anchors the nucleus and position it within the cell
Give the cell its elastic properties and its ability to withstand tension
The cytoskeletal components of both normal and neoplastic cells
2
Q
What are the three important staining factors of intermediate filaments?
A
Presence
Intensity
Pattern
3
Q
What are the five classes of intermediate filaments?
A
Keratin (Cytokertain/PanCK)
Vimentin
Desmin
Neurofilament (NF)
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)
4
Q
Tumors are classified based on their ability to do what?
A
Coexpress intermediate filaments
