Extracellular Matrix
Also known as: ECM; Ground Substance; Substantia Fundamentalis
Description
The Extracellular Matrix is the amorphous material in which structural elements occur. It is the macromolecular ground substance of Connective Tissue composed of Proteoglycans, Proteins (primarily Collagen and Elastin), Glycosaminoglycans, Plasma constituents, metabolites, Water and Ions present between cells and Fibers.
It is 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. It is the structurally stabel material beneath the Epithelial Cells that surround Connective Tissue cells. It plays a major role in Cell shape, Cell migration, Cell differentiation and the control of Cell growth.
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