| Webster's Online Dictionary |
| Expressions | Definition | ||
| Extracellular matrix | In biology, extracellular matrix (ECM) is any material part of a tissue that is not part of any cell. Extracellular matrix is the defining feature of connective tissue. (references) | ||
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. | Top | ||
| Expressions | Domain | Definition | |
| Extracellular matrix | Geology | 1: (ECM) Region outside of metazoan cells which includes compounds attached to the plasma membrane, as well as dissolved substances attracted to the surface charge of the cells. The ECM functions both to keep animal cells adhered together, and well as buffering them from their environment. (references) | |
| 2: A mixture of proteins on the outside of a cell which helps the cell attach to a surface on which it can grow. The composition of this matrix in cancerous tissue is drastically different from the matrix in normal tissue and, partly because of this, the composition is thought to influence the regulation of cell growth, division, and differentiation. (references) | |||
| Extracellular Matrix | Health | A meshwork-like substance found within the extracellular space and in association with the basement membrane of the cell surface. It promotes cellular proliferation and provides a supporting structure to which cells or cell lysates in culture dishes adhere. (references) | |
| Extracellular matrix | Medicine | Insoluble meshwork of proteins filling the space between cells. Source: European Union. (references) | |
| Extracellular Matrix Proteins | Health | Macromolecular organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually, sulfur. These macromolecules (proteins) form an intricate meshwork in which cells are embedded to construct tissues. Variations in the relative types of macromolecules and their organization determine the type of extracellular matrix, each adapted to the functional requirements of the tissue. The two main classes of macromolecules that form the extracellular matrix are: glycosaminoglycans, usually linked to proteins (proteoglycans), and fibrous proteins (e.g., collagen, elastin, fibronectins and laminin). (references) | |
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. | Top | ||
