midbody (Flemming body)

Function

• transient structure in dividing mammalian cells present near the end of cytokinesis

Structure

• 1 um in diameter, 3-5 um in length
• contains bundles of microtubules derived from the mitotic spindle which compacts during the final stages of cell division
• contains other proteins involved in cytokinesis

Notes

• first described by Walther Flemming in 1891

More general terms

• organelle