dictionary help| desmosome | medical dictionary |
<cell biology> Specialised cell junction characteristic of epithelia into which intermediate filaments (tonofilaments of cytokeratin) are inserted. The gap between plasma membranes is of the order of 25-30nm and the intercellular space has a medial band of electron dense material. Desmosomes are particularly conspicuous in tissues such as skin that have to withstand mechanical stress.
Origin: Gr. Soma = body
(11 Mar 2008)
desmoplastic trichoepithelioma, desmoplastic tumours, desmopressin, desmosine < Prev | Next > desmosomes, desmosterol, desmoteric medicine
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