desmosome (redirected from desmosome core)

desmosome /des·mo·some/ (dez´mo-som) a circular, dense body that forms the site of attachment between certain epithelial cells, especially those of stratified epithelium of the epidermis, which consist of local differentiations of the apposing cell membranes.

Desmosome.

---

des·mo·some (dzm-sm)

n.

A structure that forms the site of adhesion between two cells, consisting of a dense plate in each adjacent cell separated by a thin layer of extracellular material. Also called macula adherens.

---

desmosome

the 'spot-welds' which provide one of the structural units that bind epithelial cells together. Half units are called hemidesmosomes.

---

desmosome core

a dense core of glycoproteins filling the space between cells which are adhered by desmosomes.

half d's

structures which provide points of adhesion to anchor cytoskeletal elements to basal cell membranes. Called also hemidesmosomes.