Cell Junctions

The plasma membranes of adjacent cells are usually separated by extracellular fluids that allow transport of nutrients and wastes to and from the bloodstream. In certain tissues, however, the membranes of adjacent cells may join and form a junction. As shown in Figure 1, three kinds of cell junctions are recognized:

Desmosomes are protein attachments between adjacent cells. Inside the plasma membrane, a desmosome bears a disk‐shaped structure from which protein fibers extend into the cytoplasm. Desmosomes act like spot welds to hold together tissues that undergo considerable stress (such as skin or heart muscle).
Tight junctions are tightly stitched seams between cells. The junction completely encircles each cell, preventing the movement of material between the cell. Tight junctions are characteristic of cells lining the digestive tract, where materials are required to pass through cells (rather than intercellular spaces) to penetrate the bloodstream.
Gap junctions are narrow tunnels between cells that consist of proteins called connexons. The proteins allow only the passage of ions and small molecules. In this manner, gap junctions allow communication between cells through the exchange of materials or the transmission of electrical impulses.

Figure 1. The three types of cell junctions.

Anatomy and Physiology

Cell Junctions