Desmosomes
Adhering junctions that spot-rivet
-anchor cells together in tissue
-subject to considerable stretching
Cells in tissues are recognized by homophilic binding of cadherins
-a common transcriptome cells of the same tissue
Organ
Body structure that integrates different tissues and carries out a specific function
Tight junctions
Tight Junctions and Tissue Permeability
The blood-brain barrier
A seperation of cirulating blood from the brain extracelluar fluid (BECF) in the central nervous system (CNS)
-consists of tight junctions around the capillaries that do not exist in normal circulation
-restrict the diffusion of microscopic objects (bacteria) and large or hydrophilic molecules into the cerebrospinal fluid
-allow the diffusion of small hydrophobic molecules (o2, CO2, hormones) and actively transport glucose
(Limits passage of particles)
Gap Juncions
Communicating junctions made up of connexons
Gap junctions & Conductivity
The Extraxellular Matrix (ECM)
The Extracellular Matrix
The Interstitial matrix
Form the intracellular spaces filled with the gels of polysaccharides and fibrous proteins, such as collagen and elastin
-act as compression buffers against the stress placed on the ECM
The Extracellular Matrix
The Basement members
Sheet-like depositions of ECM over which epithelial cells rest
ECM is also the main components of
cartilages and bones
Cell Composition of the ECM
Fibroblasts
Cell composition of the ECM
Chondrocytes
Found in cartilages, produce the cartilaginous matrix
Cell composition of ECM
Osreoblasts
involved in bone formation
Functions of ECM
Body Fluids
Plasma: the extracellular liquid of blood
Serum: plasma minus the clotting factors
Muscle
consist of cells that are specialized to contract
Nervous
initiate and conduct electrical signals
Epithelial
protect structures and to secrete and absorb ions and organic molecules
Connective cells
connect, surround, anchor and support
Indirect (Humoral) Cell Communication
Mediates by chemical ligands (something that binds to another things)
-Bind to specific receptors located in target cells/tissues
Info is in general slow, and the response prolonged lasting from a few hours up to weeks
Ligands
Low affinity
easily detach
high affinity
hard to detach