Extracellular matrix
STRUCTURE EXTERNAL TO CELLS, WHICH PROVIDES STRUCTURAL SUPPORT FOR CELLS OR TISSUES
Extracellular matrix proteins; Extracellular matrix protein; Extracellular-matrix; Intercellular matrix; Matrix macromolecules; Extracellular matrices; Cellular matrix; Extra cellular matrix; Extracellular Matrix
In biology, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional network consisting of extracellular macromolecules and minerals, such as collagen, enzymes, glycoproteins and hydroxyapatite that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells. Because multicellularity evolved independently in different multicellular lineages, the composition of ECM varies between multicellular structures; however, cell adhesion, cell-to-cell communication and differentiation are common functions of the ECM.