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Types of Cell Junctions

Adherens Junctions, Desmosomes and Hemidesmosomes (Anchoring Junctions)
Adherens Junctions, Desmosomes and Hemidesmosomes (Anchoring Junctions)

Adherens junctions link actin fibers in adjacent cells together. Desmosomes attach to intermediate filaments of the cytoskeleton. Desmosomes are the strongest cell-cell connections. Desmosomes may be small points of contact between two cells (spot desmosomes) or bands that encircle the entire cell (belt desmosomes). In addition, there are also two types of cell-matrix anchoring junctions: hemidesmosomes and focal adhesion.

Adhering Junctions (Zonula Adherens)
Adhering Junctions (Zonula Adherens)

An adherens junction is defined as a cell junction whose cytoplasmic face is linked to the actin cytoskeleton. They can appear as bands encircling the cell (zonula adherens) or as spots of attachment to the extracellular matrix (adhesion plaques).

Desmosomes (Macula Adherens)
Desmosomes (Macula Adherens)

A desmosome (/ ˈ d ɛ z m ə ˌ s oʊ m /; "binding body"), also known as a macula adhaerens (plural: maculae adhaerentes) (Latin for adhering spot), is a cell structure specialized for cell-to-cell adhesion.

Gap Junctions
Gap Junctions

Functionally, gap junctions in animal cells are a lot like plasmodesmata in plant cells: they are channels between neighboring cells that allow for the transport of ions, water, and other substances 3 ^3 3 start superscript, 3, end superscript. Structurally, however, gap junctions and plasmodesmata are quite different.

Gap Junctions (Communicating Junction)
Gap Junctions (Communicating Junction)

Gap junctions, the simplest cell-to-cell junctions create cytoplasmic communication bridges between adjoining cells so that chemical and electrical signals pass rapidly from one cell to the next.

image: antranik.org
Occluding Junctions (Zonula Occludens or Tight Junctions)
Occluding Junctions (Zonula Occludens or Tight Junctions)

Tight junctions, also known as occluding junctions or zonulae occludentes (singular, zonula occludens) are multiprotein junctional complex whose general function is to prevent leakage of transported solutes and water and seals the paracellular pathway.

Tight or Occluding Junctions
Tight or Occluding Junctions

Tight junctions, also known as occluding junctions or zonulae occludentes (singular, zonula occludens) are multiprotein junctional complex whose general function is to prevent leakage of transported solutes and water and seals the paracellular pathway.