Explain how the extracellular matrix functions.

The extracellular matrix provides the physical micro environment in which cells exist. It provides a substrate for cell anchorage serves as a tissue scaffold, guides cell migration during embryonic development and wound repair has a key role in tissue morphogenesis. It is also responsible for transmitting environmental signals to cells which ultimately affects cell proliferation, differentiation and death.

It has 3 major components:

Highly viscous proteoglycans (chondroitin sulphate, keratan sulphate, heparan sulphate) which cushion cells Insoluble collagen fibres which provide strength and resilience Soluble multiadhesive extracellular matrix proteins (fibronectin, laminin) which bind proteoglycans and collagen fibres to receptors on the cell surface