Ectoplasm (cell biology)

Ectoplasm (also exoplasm) is the non-granulated outer part of a cell's cytoplasm, while endoplasm is its often granulated inner layer. It is clear, and protects as well as transports things within the cell. Moreover, large numbers of actin filaments frequently occur in the ectoplasm, which form an elastic support for the cell membrane. It contains actin and myosin microfilaments. Amoebae form an outer zone of cytoplasm, known as ectoplasm, where actin and myosin association help move it forward.

The term comes from the Ancient Greek words ἐκτός ektos, "outside" and πλάσμα plasma, "anything formed."