Desmosome
Desmosome
Desmosome (/dɛzˈmoʊsoʊm/; from the Greek desmos, meaning "bond", and soma, meaning "body") is a specialized cell structure involved in cell-to-cell adhesion.
Etymology
The term "desmosome" was coined in the late 19th century, derived from the Greek words desmos (bond) and soma (body). This reflects the desmosome's role in binding cells together.
Function
Desmosomes are found in a variety of tissues, including the epidermis, cardiac muscle, and cervical epithelium. They play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of these tissues by preventing cells from separating under tension. Desmosomes are particularly abundant in tissues that experience a great deal of mechanical stress, such as the skin and heart.
Structure
Desmosomes are composed of several proteins, including cadherins, desmogleins, and desmocollins. These proteins interact to form a dense, plaque-like structure that anchors to the cytoskeleton of the cell. The cadherins extend from the cell surface and interlock with cadherins from neighboring cells, forming a strong adhesive bond.
Related Terms
- Cadherin: A type of protein found in desmosomes that plays a key role in cell adhesion.
- Desmoglein: A specific type of cadherin found in desmosomes.
- Desmocollin: Another specific type of cadherin found in desmosomes.
- Cytoskeleton: The internal framework of a cell, to which desmosomes anchor.
- Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin, where desmosomes are abundant.
- Cardiac muscle: The muscle tissue of the heart, which also contains many desmosomes.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Desmosome
- Wikipedia's article - Desmosome
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