Cervical cancer cell, SEM

Cervical cancer cell, colored scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The cervix is the lower part of the womb, also called the neck of the womb, and comprises part of the woman鈥檚 reproductive system. Cervical cancer is more common in younger women and one of the main causes is a persistent infection of certain types of the human papilloma virus (HPV). The cell in this image has very extending filopodia-like structures. Filopodia contain actin filaments and can have roles in numerous processes Filopodia contain actin filaments and can have roles in numerous processes including cell-cell interactions, cell migration or as a sensory guide towards a chemoattractant (a chemical agent that induces a cell to migrate towards it). This may promote tumour growth and the development of metastasis. Magnification: x5600 when printed at 10cm wide. by ANNE E. WESTON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY