The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for detecting and analyzing cell migration. More specifically, the present invention is directed to novel technology for analyzing cellular movement, including whole cell migration and subcellular component movement. Cells are distributed onto a substrate and monitored for migration or movement. According to one embodiment, when a labelled cell or portion of a cell passes over one of the delineations between detection units, such as individual fibers in a fiber optic bundle, the label causes a large intensity increase, which stays for a given "residence time" until the cell departs from the detection unit. Each cell is disposed over at least one detection unit.