Ground substance

Ground substance is an amorphous gel-like substance in the extracellular space that contains all components of the extracellular matrix except for fibrous materials such as collagen and elastin.

Ground substance is active in the development, movement, and proliferation of tissues, as well as their metabolism. Additionally, cells use it for support, water storage, binding, and a medium for intercellular exchange (especially between blood cells and other types of cells). Ground substance provides lubrication for collagen fibers.[1]

The components of the ground substance vary depending on the tissue. Ground substance is primarily composed of water, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as hyaluronic acid, heparan sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and chondroiton sulfate, proteoglycans which GAGs are bound to, and glycoproteins. Components of the ground substance are secreted by fibroblasts. Usually it is not visible on slides, because it is lost during staining in the preparation process.[2]

Link proteins such as vinculin, spectrin and actomyosin stabilize the proteoglycans and organize elastic fibers in the ECM.[1]

Changes in the density of ground substance can allow collagen fibers to form aberrant cross-links.[1]

Loose connective tissue is characterized by few fibers and cells, and a relatively large amount of ground substance. Dense connective tissue has a smaller amount of ground substance compared to the fibrous material.[1]

The meaning of the term has evolved over time.[3]

In cytology, it may refer to the cytosol or protoplasm.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Stecco, Carla; Hammer, Warren; Vleeming, Andry; De Caro, Raffaele (2015). "Connective Tissues". Functional Atlas of the Human Fascial System. pp. 1–20. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-4430-4.00001-4. ISBN 9780702044304.
  2. ↑ "Connective Tissue". Archived from the original on 2008-11-07. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
  3. ↑ Wheatley, D. N. (2003). "Diffusion, perfusion and the exclusion principles in the structural and functional organization of the living cell: Reappraisal of the properties of the 'ground substance'". Journal of Experimental Biology. 206 (12): 1955–61. doi:10.1242/jeb.00238. PMID 12756276.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.