The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of filamentous polymers and regulatory proteins that enables eukaryotic cells to resist deformation, transport intracellular cargo, and change shape. Recent research highlights the role of mechanical signals in cytoskeletal function and behavior, emphasizing the importance of long-lived structures in shaping cell fate. The cytoskeleton consists of three main polymers: actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments, each with distinct mechanical properties and roles in cell structure and function. Actin filaments are involved in cell motility and shape changes, microtubules in intracellular transport and division, and intermediate filaments in maintaining cell integrity. The cytoskeleton is regulated by a variety of proteins that control polymerization, depolymerization, and network organization. The mechanical properties of the cytoskeleton are influenced by the architecture and interactions of these components, and can be affected by external forces. The cytoskeleton also plays a role in sensing and responding to the mechanical microenvironment, which can influence cell behavior and fate. Recent studies have shown that the cytoskeleton can act as a 'memory' system, recording past mechanical interactions and influencing future cellular behavior. The cytoskeleton is also involved in the development and differentiation of cells, with mechanical cues playing a key role in these processes. Understanding the mechanics of the cytoskeleton is essential for understanding cellular behavior and disease. Future research will focus on elucidating the mechanisms by which the cytoskeleton functions and how it interacts with other cellular components to regulate cell behavior.The cytoskeleton is a dynamic network of filamentous polymers and regulatory proteins that enables eukaryotic cells to resist deformation, transport intracellular cargo, and change shape. Recent research highlights the role of mechanical signals in cytoskeletal function and behavior, emphasizing the importance of long-lived structures in shaping cell fate. The cytoskeleton consists of three main polymers: actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments, each with distinct mechanical properties and roles in cell structure and function. Actin filaments are involved in cell motility and shape changes, microtubules in intracellular transport and division, and intermediate filaments in maintaining cell integrity. The cytoskeleton is regulated by a variety of proteins that control polymerization, depolymerization, and network organization. The mechanical properties of the cytoskeleton are influenced by the architecture and interactions of these components, and can be affected by external forces. The cytoskeleton also plays a role in sensing and responding to the mechanical microenvironment, which can influence cell behavior and fate. Recent studies have shown that the cytoskeleton can act as a 'memory' system, recording past mechanical interactions and influencing future cellular behavior. The cytoskeleton is also involved in the development and differentiation of cells, with mechanical cues playing a key role in these processes. Understanding the mechanics of the cytoskeleton is essential for understanding cellular behavior and disease. Future research will focus on elucidating the mechanisms by which the cytoskeleton functions and how it interacts with other cellular components to regulate cell behavior.