To create
tissues,
cells of a specific type must join together.
Cell junctions are the different ways in which cells are joined to one another.
Cell junctions have several
functions in the body:
- Attach cells together, giving tissues structural strength
- Allow cells to communicate to one another, chemically and/or electrically
- Create impermeable barriers between different tissues and sections in the body
- Differ between tissue types depending on tissue function
There are three basic types of
cell junctions:
Tight junctions, desmosomes and
gap (communicating) junctions.
Use the tutorial below to learn more about each type of
cell junction.
Tutorial 2.2: Cell Junctions
Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under
1 - Anatomy and Physiology Basics