INTERCELLULAR SPACE Meaning and
Definition
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Intercellular space refers to the microscopic gap that exists between adjacent cells in living organisms. It is the region present between cells, particularly in animal tissues, where cells do not directly touch each other.
This intercellular space is filled with a substance known as extracellular matrix or interstitial fluid, which facilitates various cellular activities. The interstitial fluid consists mainly of water, along with proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and other molecules necessary for cell communication and tissue maintenance.
Intercellular space plays a crucial role in the transportation of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between cells within tissues. It enables diffusion, a passive process through which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration, which allows essential substances to reach cells and metabolic waste to be removed.
Furthermore, the intercellular space also provides structural support and stability to the tissues. It allows cells to remain physically connected to each other while accommodating different cell shapes and sizes. This space acts as a buffer and shock absorber, protecting cells from mechanical stresses and allowing tissues to maintain their integrity and functionality.
Knowledge of the intercellular space and the processes occurring within it is crucial in various fields, including biology, tissue engineering, and medicine, as it helps in understanding cellular interactions and the functioning of living organisms at a microscopic level.
Common Misspellings for INTERCELLULAR SPACE
- untercellular space
- jntercellular space
- kntercellular space
- ontercellular space
- 9ntercellular space
- 8ntercellular space
- ibtercellular space
- imtercellular space
- ijtercellular space
- ihtercellular space
- inrercellular space
- infercellular space
- ingercellular space
- inyercellular space
- in6ercellular space
- in5ercellular space
- intwrcellular space
- intsrcellular space
- intdrcellular space
- intrrcellular space
Etymology of INTERCELLULAR SPACE
The word "intercellular" comes from the Latin roots "inter" meaning "between" and "cellula" meaning "small room" or "cell". "Space", on the other hand, is derived from the Latin "spatium" meaning "extent" or "room". Therefore, "intercellular space" refers to the area or gap that exists between cells, specifically in biological contexts.
