The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes throughout the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. It exists in two forms: rough ER (RER) and smooth ER (SER). The presence of ribosomes on the outer surface of the membrane distinguishes RER from SER. These ribosomes are involved in the synthesis of proteins, particularly those destined for secretion or insertion into membranes.