What determines a cells shape?
A cell’s shape is determined by its function. Squamous cells are flat and are meant to be constantly being removed and replaced. This characteristic is shared by most epithelial cells because they are meant to rapidly be lost and replaced. Red blood cells are round and flat because they are meant to squeeze through small capillaries. Neurons look like little roots because they are meant to receive messages and transfer them. Muscle cells are long and are meant to contract. If any of these cells had a different shape, their function couldn’t be carried out fully.
