- The cytoplasm is the rich, viscous fluid present in the cells of organisms that are closed off by the cell membrane. It is made up of the cytosol, intracellular structures, mitochondria, and other organelles. While cytoplasm may be used as a synonym for protoplasm, there is a subtle difference. The protoplasm is the living content of the cell made up of the cytoplasm and the nucleoplasm (the fluid inside the nucleus). The cytoplasm, in turn, excludes the nucleoplasm and, therefore, it is that protoplasmic content between the cell membrane and the nuclear envelope. Etymology: from Greek “kyto”-, “kýtos”, meaning “container”, “receptacle”, “body” and Greek “plásma”. Related forms: cytoplasmic (adjective). See: cell. Compare: cytosol, protoplasm
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