Extracellular Space
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Interstitial space between cells, occupied by INTERSTITIAL FLUID as well as amorphous and fibrous substances. For organisms with a CELL WALL, the extracellular space includes everything outside of the CELL MEMBRANE including the PERIPLASM and the cell wall. |
Extracellular Space Categories.
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Cell Wall - In most algae, bacteria, and fungi, the structure which forms a (usually rigid) layer external to the CELL MEMBRANE and which is responsible for the shape of the organism and for protecting it from mechanical damage, osmotic lysis, etc. It may also serve as a permeability barrier, e.g., to antibiotics and other substances. (Singleton & Sainsbury, Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, 2d ed) |
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Extracellular Fluid - The fluid of the body that is outside of CELLS. It is the external enviroment for the cells. |
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Extracellular Matrix - A meshwork-like substance found within the extracellular space and in association with the basement membrane of the cell surface. It promotes cellular proliferation and provides a supporting structure to which cells or cell lysates in culture dishes adhere. |
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Periplasm - The space between the inner and outer membranes of a cell that is shared with the cell wall. |
Extracellular Space Definitions and Terms
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