Step-by-step explanation:
The extracellular matrix provides the physical micro environment in which cells exist. It provides a substrate for cell anchorage serves as a tissue scaffold, guides cell migration during embryonic development and wound repair has a key role in tissue morphogenesis. It is also responsible for transmitting environmental signals to cells which ultimately affects cell proliferation, differentiation and death.
It has 3 major components:
- Highly viscous proteoglycans( chondroitin sulphate, keratan sulphate,heparan sulphate) which cushion cells
- Insoluble collagen fibres which provide strength and resilience
- Soluble multiadhesive extracellular matrix proteins( fibronectin, laminin) which bind proteoglycans and collagen fibres to receptors on the cell surface