The cell membrane doesn't directly *involve* in cytoplasmic division (cytokinesis) in animal cells, but it plays a crucial role in facilitating the process. Here's how:

1. The Cell Membrane Provides a Framework:

- The cell membrane acts as a physical boundary defining the cell's shape and holding the cytoplasm together. It provides a structural scaffold for the formation of the cleavage furrow, a key structure in animal cell cytokinesis.

2. Facilitating the Assembly of Actin Microfilaments:

- The cell membrane interacts with proteins involved in the polymerization of actin microfilaments. Actin microfilaments are essential components of the contractile ring that forms during cytokinesis. The membrane provides a surface for their assembly and organization.

3. Signaling for Cytokinesis:

- The cell membrane plays a role in signaling pathways that initiate and regulate cytokinesis. During mitosis, proteins associated with the cell membrane can relay information about the position of the spindle poles, which determines the plane of cell division.

4. Membrane Recycling and Fusion:

- As the cleavage furrow constricts, the cell membrane is recycled and redistributed between the two daughter cells. The membrane also fuses with itself at the point of completion of cytokinesis, forming a complete plasma membrane around each daughter cell.

In Summary: While the cell membrane doesn't actively divide the cytoplasm, it provides a crucial framework, facilitates the formation of the contractile ring, and participates in signaling pathways that drive cytokinesis in animal cells.