Composition and Function of the Extracellular Matrix in the Human Body

Download or read book Composition and Function of the Extracellular Matrix in the Human Body written by Francesco Travascio and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2016-06-15 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an ensemble of non-cellular components present within all tissues and organs of the human body. The ECM provides structural support for scaffolding cellular constituents and biochemical and biomechanical support for those events leading to tissue morphogenesis, differentiation and homeostasis. Essential components of all ECMs are water, proteins and polysaccharides. However, their composition, architecture and bioactivity greatly vary from tissue to tissue in relation to the specific role the ECM is required to assume. This book overviews the role of the ECM in different tissues and organs of the human body.