EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX Meaning and
Definition
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The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex and dynamic network of molecules found in the spaces between cells in tissues and organs throughout the body. It serves as the structural support system for cells and plays a crucial role in cell signaling, tissue development, and physiological functions.
Composed of various proteins, carbohydrates, and other molecules, the ECM forms a three-dimensional scaffold that holds cells together, providing mechanical strength and stability to tissues. It also acts as a reservoir for growth factors and other signaling molecules that regulate cell behavior and tissue homeostasis.
The ECM is involved in many biological processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. It aids in wound healing, tissue repair, and regeneration by providing a framework for migrating cells and facilitating their interaction with neighboring cells.
Furthermore, the ECM modulates cellular responses to mechanical forces, biochemical signals, and changes in the surrounding environment, enabling cells to adapt and respond to their surroundings. It is also involved in diseases such as cancer, fibrosis, and tissue degeneration, where alterations in the ECM composition and structure can disrupt cellular functions and contribute to disease progression.
Understanding the extracellular matrix is essential for unraveling the complexity of tissue development, cellular behavior, and disease pathology. Research efforts focus on exploring its composition, structure, and function to develop therapeutic interventions and tissue engineering strategies that can manipulate or mimic the ECM for biomedical applications.
Common Misspellings for EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX
- wxtracellular matrix
- sxtracellular matrix
- dxtracellular matrix
- rxtracellular matrix
- 4xtracellular matrix
- 3xtracellular matrix
- eztracellular matrix
- ectracellular matrix
- edtracellular matrix
- estracellular matrix
- exrracellular matrix
- exfracellular matrix
- exgracellular matrix
- exyracellular matrix
- ex6racellular matrix
- ex5racellular matrix
- exteacellular matrix
- extdacellular matrix
- extfacellular matrix
- exttacellular matrix
Etymology of EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX
The word "extracellular" is derived from the Latin prefix "extra-", meaning "outside" or "beyond", and the Latin word "cellula", which means a small compartment or cell. The term "matrix" comes from the Latin word "matrice" or "mater", meaning "womb" or "source". In the context of biology, the extracellular matrix refers to the substance that surrounds and supports cells in tissues or organs. The term was coined in the mid-20th century to describe this structural framework outside of cells.
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