Centrioles
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Centrioles are barrel-shaped bodies located near the nucleus in an area called the centrosome in animal cells. They are composed of microtubules. At the onset of mitosis the centrioles duplicate and move to opposite sides of the cell. The centrioles, sometimes called asters are the origination point for the microtubules that will attach to and move chromosomes during cell division. The microtubules grow away from the centrioles producing a star-like network, hence the name asters.
Centrioles also form the basal body of cilia and flagella which are important in movement.
The centrioles are highlighted in red in the photograph to the right.
Musical rendition of the cell:
