Book excerpt: This volume of the acclaimed Methods in Cell Biology series provides specific examples of applications of confocal microscopy to cell biological problems. It is an essential guide for students and scientists in cell biology, neuroscience, and many other areas of biological and biomedical research, as well as research directors and technical staff of microscopy and imaging facilities. An integrated and up-to-date coverage on the many various techniques and uses of the confocal microscope (CM). Includes detailed protocols accessible to new users Details how to set up and run a "Confocal Microscope Core Facility" Contains over 170 figures