Final answer:
Cells directly communicate with adjacent cells via gap junctions in animal cells or plasmodesmata in plant cells, as well as from a distance through chemical signaling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The part of a cell that permits direct intercellular communication with adjacent (neighboring) cells are special structures known as gap junctions in animal cells or plasmodesmata in plant cells. These structures allow for the direct transfer of ions, molecules, and electrical impulses between neighboring cells. This physical contact facilitates synchronized activity among cells and is essential for processes such as cellular coordination in cardiac muscle contraction and developmental signaling within tissues. Additionally, cells can also communicate from a distance via chemical signaling where molecules released by one cell can affect other cells in the vicinity or throughout the body.