Extracellular matrix

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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.

ECM's main component is various glycoproteins. In most animals, the most abundant glycoprotein in the ECM is collagen. ECM also contains many other components: proteins such as fibrin and elastin, minerals such as hydroxylapatite, or fluids such as blood plasma or serum with secreted free flowing antigens. Given this diversity, it can serve any number of functions, such as providing support and anchorage for cells (which attach via focal adhesions), providing a way of separating the tissues, and regulating intercellular communication. The ECM functions in a cell's dynamic behavior. Many cells bind to components of the extracellular matrix. This cell-to-ECM adhesion is due to specific cell surface cellular adhesion molecules (CAM) known as integrins. The integrins transmit mechanical stimuli from the ECM to the cytoskeleton.de:Extrazelluläre Matrix es:Matriz extracelular ja:細胞外マトリックス pl:Macierz pozakomórkowa pt:Matriz extracelular sv:Extracellulär matrix