Immerse into the Cell!

Thanks to advanced visualization techniques, cells can now be studied more thoroughly than ever before. Each image we capture offers scientists valuable insights into the cellular world. Collectively, these insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how we picture cells today and how we might picture them in the future.

Public online databases like the Cell Image Library allow you to explore the microscopic world of cells from the comfort of your home. There, you can discover the diversity of organisms, cell types, and cellular processes.


Cells far exceed what standardized models convey. Click on the images and explore using the virtual microscope to see the diversity of cell appearances.

Human Egg Cell

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Source: Yorgos Nikas (2012) CIL:38990, Homo sapiens, corona radiata cell, egg cell. Doi.org/10.7295/W9CIL38990 


Tissue of the Gallbladder

Light Microscopy

Source: William Karkow (2011) CIL:34859, Homo sapiens, epithelial cell, foam cell. Doi.org/10.7295/W9CIL34859 


Human Bone Cell

Scanning Electron Microscopy 

Source: Kevin MacKenzie (2012) CIL:39056, Mus musculus, osteocyte. Doi.org/10.7295/W9CIL39056 

Cytoskeleton and Cell Nuclei of Hair Follicle Cells 

Fluorecence Microscopy

Source: Natalie Prigozhina (2015) CIL:48101, Homo sapiens, hair follicle dermal papilla cell. Doi.org/10.7295/W9CIL48101 

Human Lung Cancer Cell

Scanning Electron Microscopy 

Source: Anne Weston (2012) CIL:39049, lung cancer cell. Doi.org/10.7295/W9CIL39049 

Neuronal Stem Cells of the Rat

Fluorecence Microscopy

Source: Natalie Prigozhina (2015) CIL:48107, Rattus norvegicus, neural stem cell. Doi.org/10.7295/W9CIL48107 

Auditory Cells of the Chicken

Scanning Electron Microscopy 

Source: Peter Gillespie (2012) CIL:40628, Gallus gallus, cochlear inner hair cell. Doi.org/10.7295/W9CIL40628 

Epidermal Surface of the Flatfish 

Scanning Electron Microscopy 

Source: Wolf Fahrenbach (2011) CIL:11110, Parophrys vetulus, epidermal cell. Doi.org/10.7295/W9CIL11110 

Protein Fibres of the Cytoskeleton

Transmission Electron Microscopy 

Source: Don W. Fawcett, John Heuser (2011) CIL:36073, Mus musculus, fibroblast. Doi.org/10.7295/W9CIL36073 

Spore Containers of the Cup Fungus

Light Microscopy

Source: Spike Walker (2012) CIL:38941, Peziza, ascospore. Doi.org/10.7295/W9CIL38941