Final answer:
In animal cells, the cytoskeleton fulfills a role similar to the cell wall in plant cells by providing structural support and shape to the cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
The part of an animal cell that provides support and structure similar to the cell wall in plant cells is the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is a network of proteins that includes microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. These proteins work together to give the cell its shape and help it maintain its structure. They also play roles in cell division and cellular movements.
Unlike plant cells that have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, animal cells rely on the flexible support provided by the cytoskeleton to maintain their structure. Other options like vacuoles, centrioles, and cell membranes serve different functions within the animal cell. Vacuoles can store substances, centrioles help with cell division, and cell membranes control the entry and exit of substances in and out of the cell.