How Do You Spell DESMOSOMES?

Pronunciation: [dɪsmˈɒsə͡ʊmz] (IPA)

Desmosomes are cell-to-cell junctions that connect intermediate filaments in adjacent cells. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically as /dɛzməsoʊmz/. The first syllable contains the phonemes /d/, /ɛ/, /z/, and /m/. The second syllable consists of /ə/, /s/, and /oʊ/. The final syllable includes /m/ and /z/. In spoken English, desmosomes are often pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable, with the remaining syllables pronounced quickly and smoothly.

DESMOSOMES Meaning and Definition

1. Desmosomes are specialized cell junctions found in multi-cellular organisms that play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of tissues. Specifically, desmosomes are intercellular structures that adhere adjacent cells together, acting as strong adhesive points, particularly in tissues subjected to mechanical stress.

   Structurally, a desmosome consists of two main components: desmosomal cadherins and associated plaque proteins. Desmosomal cadherins are transmembrane proteins that extend from the plasma membrane of one cell to attach with cadherins on adjacent cells. These cadherins form the actual adhesive link between cells. Connected to the intracellular side of the cadherins, plaque proteins, such as plakoglobin and desmoplakin, function to anchor the desmosomes to the cell's cytoskeleton, providing stability and strength.

   Functionally, desmosomes contribute to the integrity and resilience of tissues by distributing mechanical stress across their interconnected cells. This is particularly important in tissues that experience bending, stretching, or shearing forces, such as skin, heart muscle, and intestinal epithelium. By preventing separation or tearing of adjacent cells, desmosomes maintain the structural integrity of tissues, preventing their disruption and promoting their overall function.

   Characterized by their dense and button-like appearance when viewed under an electron microscope, desmosomes are essential for maintaining tissue integrity and are essential for normal tissue function in many organ systems of the body.

Common Misspellings for DESMOSOMES

• desmosoms
• Desmodous

Etymology of DESMOSOMES

The word "desmosomes" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "desmos" and "soma".

- "Desmos" (δεσμός) means "bond" or "tie". It refers to the structural function of desmosomes in binding or connecting cells together.

- "Soma" (σῶμα) means "body" or "cell". It refers to the cell itself.

Therefore, "desmosomes" can be translated as "cell bonds" or "cell connections".