Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
cell junction
From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Remove ads
English
Noun
cell junction (plural cell junctions)
- (biology, cytology) A specialized structure that links adjacent cells together or connects cells to the extracellular matrix; crucial for tissue integrity, communication, and forming barriers; acting like channels to control substance flow and hold tissues (like skin or lining of organs) together against forces like stretching or abrasion. They enable coordinated functions, from nutrient transfer to rapid electrical signaling.
- Synonym of cell-cell junction; excludes cell-matrix junctions.
Usage notes
Cell junction and cell-cell junction are often used interchangeably; however, the former is a broader term that can include cell-matrix junctions, while the latter only refers to intercellular junctions.
Remove ads
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads