Cell Junctions and the Extracellular Matrix

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cell junctions and the extracellular matrix, defining important terms and structures.

Epithelium

Sheets of cells that are polarized, with discrete functional domains at opposite ends (apical and basal) of the cells.

Connective tissue

Loosely organized tissue in which cells are attached to each other, a rigid scaffold, or both.

Cell-Cell Junctions

Specialized structures where two cells come together, forming tissues and organs.

Adhesive Junctions

Types of cell-cell junctions that facilitate cell adhesion.

Tight Junctions

Junctions that seal spaces between cells, preventing the movement of molecules across cell layers.

Gap Junctions

Regions where plasma membranes of adjacent cells are aligned, allowing for direct electrical and chemical communication.

E-cadherin

A type of cadherin found on epithelial cells, important for cell adhesion.

Desmosome

Button-like points of strong adhesion between adjacent cells, providing structural integrity.

Cadherins

A family of proteins that mediate cell-cell adhesion.

Intracellular attachment proteins

Proteins that link junctions to the cytoskeleton, facilitating cell adhesion.

Fibronectin

An adhesive glycoprotein that binds cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Laminins

Adhesive glycoproteins in the basal lamina that bind cells to ECM molecules.

Collagens

Structural proteins in the ECM that provide strength and are the most abundant ECM component in animals.

Elastins

Proteins that impart elasticity and flexibility to the ECM.

Proteoglycans

Combinations of core proteins and long polysaccharide chains that form a gel-like matrix in the ECM.

Hyaluronate

A type of GAG that lubricates joints and facilitates cell migration.

Integrins

Cell surface receptors that bind fibronectin and laminin, integrating the cytoskeleton with the ECM.