extracellular matrix

matrix /ma·trix/ (ma´triks) pl. ma´trices   [L.]

1. the intercellular substance of a tissue or the tissue from which a structure develops.

2. groundwork; the base in which or from which a thing develops.

3. a mold or form for casting.

4. a metal or plastic strip used to provide form to a dental restoration.

5. the continuous phase of a composite dental restoration.

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bone matrix  the intercellular substance of bone, consisting of collagenous fibers, ground substance, and inorganic salts.

cartilage matrix  the intercellular substance of cartilage, consisting of cells and extracellular fibers embedded in an amorphous ground substance.

extracellular matrix  (ECM) any substance produced by cells and excreted to the extracellular space within the tissues, serving as a scaffolding to hold tissues together and helping to determine their characteristics.

interterritorial matrix  a paler staining region among the darker territorial matrices.

nail matrix  m. unguis.

territorial matrix  basophilic matrix around groups of cartilage cells.

matrix un´guis  nail bed; also, the proximal part of the nail bed where growth occurs.

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extracellular matrix,

a substance containing collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and fluid, produced by cells and in which the cells are embedded. The matrix secreted by chondroblasts, for example, is responsible for the properties of cartilage.

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extracellular matrix (eksˈ·tr·selˑ·y·ler māˑ·triks),

n substance produced by cells and secreted into the environment in which the cells are embedded; contains collagen, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and fluid; can influence the behavior of the cells. Also called
ECM. See also connective tissue.

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extracellular (eks″trsel´ulr),

adj taking place outside of a cell.

extracellular matrix,

n an amorphous or structured substance produced by cellular activity that lies within the tissue but outside the cell.

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extracellular

situated or occurring outside a cell or cells.

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extracellular constituents

all of the constituents of the body outside the cells; include water, electrolytes, protein, glucose, enzymes, hormones.

extracellular fluid

all of the body fluid lying outside the cells. Includes intravascular fluid or plasma and the interstitial fluid. That part of the extracellular fluid that is in special cavities which have special characteristics, e.g. synovial fluid, urine, aqueous humor of eye, are called transcellular fluids.

extracellular matrix

the network of proteins and carbohydrates that surround a cell or fill the intercellular spaces.

extracellular space

see intercellular.