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zonula adherens

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zo·nu·la ad·he·'rens

a beltlike attachment, similar to a desmosome, between columnar epithelial cells; supported by cytoplasmic filaments.
Synonym(s): intermediate junction
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

Adherens Junction

A protein complex located at the junction between epithelial cells, which are subjected to stretching and pulling, yet require tight contact between them so they can function as a single unit. Adherens junctions are linked to the cell’s actin cytoskeleton, and take two forms: as bands encircling the cell—zonula adherens—or as “spot welds” to the extracellular matrix—adhesion plaques. Adherens junctions are composed of 4 principle proteins: cadherins and alpha-catenin, plakoglobulin (aka beta or gamma catenin) and p120 (aka delta catenin).
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

zo·nu·la ad·he·rens

(zōnyū-lă ad-hērenz)
Beltlike attachment, similar to a desmosome, between columnar epithelial cells; supported by cytoplasmic filaments. Also called intermediate junction.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
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References in periodicals archive
Crumbs, a component of the apical membrane, is required for zonula adherens formation in primary epithelia of Drosophila.
Cell-cell adhesion in the cnidaria: insights into the evolution of tissue morphogenesis
These expansions are linked together and to the adjacent epithelial cells by zonula adherens [ILLUSTRATION FOR FIGURE 3A OMITTED].
Fine structure of the apical ganglion and its serotonergic cells in the larva of Aplysia californica
Adluminal cells are bound together and to glandular cells by junctional complexes consisting of an apical zonula adherens and a subapical seplate desmosome.
The role of podial secretions in adhesion in two species of sea stars (Echinodermata)
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