[Estimation of the randomness of the overlapping of cellular structures]

Methods for estimation of randomness of mutual overlaps of cells, their parts, and intracellular structures are developed. Two methods are proposed: a "method of areas" based on the estimation of the area of overlaps of randomly located figures, and a "method of contours" based on the evaluation of the number of intersections of linear structures located randomly. Examples are given as applied to cells and cellular nuclei, in particular during contact inhibition of cellular movement.