Extracellular Matrix: Difference between revisions

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=== Tendon ===
Tendon are able to  withstand tension. The ECM is made with this in mind. Collagen fibers of tendon are oriented parallel to the direction of the mechanical stress, which is only in one axis. The extracellular matrix is rich in collagen fibers and fibroblasts. Collagen is up to 65-80 % of the dry weight of the extracellular matrix, with  elastin being only 1-2 %.
=== Cartilage ===
Cartilage extracellular matrix is synthesized by chondrocytes, and is makes a ECM that is  both stiff and elastic. It is mainly composed of type II collagen, up to 25 % of dry weight, but types IX and XI collagens are also present in lower proportion. The second most abundant molecules are glycosaminoglycans, such as hyaluronan and aggrecan, which join together to form macromolecular complexes. Collagen counteracts tensile loads and glycosaminoglycans dampen mechanical pressures. Elastic cartilage contains abundant elastic fibers, which are necessary for the elasticity of structures like pharynx, epiglottis, and pinna.


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Revision as of 03:01, 28 June 2022

Original Editor - Lucinda hampton

Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton and Tolulope Adeniji  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the non-cellular component present within all tissues and organs, providing a essential physical scaffolding for the cellular constituents (components of the ECM linking together to form a structurally stable composite). ECM components not only provide a scaffold for the tissue but also give tensile strength and limit overstretch of the organ. The ECM holds water, ensures suitable hydration of the tissue, and participates in a selective barrier to the external environment. The ECM also initiates crucial biochemical and biomechanical cues for tissue morphogenesis, differentiation and homeostasis[1][2].

The role of the extracellular matrix depends on its nature and composition. eg, the matrix may be mineralised in bone to resist compression), dominated by tension resisting fibers in tendon.

In human, the main components of the extracellular matrix are the fibrous elements (e.g. collagen, elastin, reticulin), link proteins (e.g. fibronectin, laminin), and space filling molecules (e.g. proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans)[3]

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Tendon[edit | edit source]

Tendon are able to withstand tension. The ECM is made with this in mind. Collagen fibers of tendon are oriented parallel to the direction of the mechanical stress, which is only in one axis. The extracellular matrix is rich in collagen fibers and fibroblasts. Collagen is up to 65-80 % of the dry weight of the extracellular matrix, with elastin being only 1-2 %.

Cartilage[edit | edit source]

Cartilage extracellular matrix is synthesized by chondrocytes, and is makes a ECM that is both stiff and elastic. It is mainly composed of type II collagen, up to 25 % of dry weight, but types IX and XI collagens are also present in lower proportion. The second most abundant molecules are glycosaminoglycans, such as hyaluronan and aggrecan, which join together to form macromolecular complexes. Collagen counteracts tensile loads and glycosaminoglycans dampen mechanical pressures. Elastic cartilage contains abundant elastic fibers, which are necessary for the elasticity of structures like pharynx, epiglottis, and pinna.

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Resources[edit | edit source]

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References[edit | edit source]

  1. Simona Pompili, Giovanni Latella, Eugenio Gaudio, Roberta Sferraand Antonella Vetuschi The Charming World of the Extracellular Matrix: A Dynamic and Protective Network of the Intestinal Wall Available: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.610189/full (accessed 28.6.2022)
  2. Christian Frantz,Kathleen M. Stewart,Valerie M. Weaver The extracellular matrix at a glance Available: https://journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/123/24/4195/31378/The-extracellular-matrix-at-a-glance (accessed 28.7.2022)
  3. Biology on line Extracellular matrix Available: https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/extracellular-matrix (accessed 28.6.22)