How do Cells shape?
Cells are often depicted as circular or spherical - but are they really? Gently press the rod downward and apply pressure to the spherical "cells" in the cylinder. What do you observe?
Are Cells circular?
Some types of cells in your body can take on a spherical shape—these are primarily cells that aren't part of a tissue, such as blood cells. These are also known as free cells.
...and what about other Cells?
Most cells are structured as tissues, forming organs like your skin. If all cells were spherical, like the balls in the cylinder, gaps would appear, rendering your skin permeable and susceptible to pathogens, among other risks.
Blood Cells: Macrophage / Lymphocytes
Influencing factors
Like the model, cells can also change their shape in response to external factors, such as physical pressure. Additionally, there are various intracellular connections between adjacent cells that can affect their shape as well.
Cell Connections: Tight Junctions
Cells have no fixed shape!
Cells aren't just passively changed by external factors; they are dynamic membrane systems that actively move and constantly alter their form. Therefore, describing cells with a static "shape," as models often do, can be misleading.
Dynamic Cell Membranes