The second stage of mitosis, or cell division, is known as metaphase. During metaphase, the cell's chromosomes line up along its center line.
Metaphase com from Greek roots meaning "adjacent or between" and "stage." During this stage, chromosomes stop moving back and forth and are held in the middle of the cell by tube-shaped spirals of protein called microtubules. This prepares the cell for the next stage of mitosis, anaphase, moving it one step closer to dividing.