Question

The type of adhesive junction that connects epithelial cells to the basal lamina is a

A) hemidesmosome.
B) desmosome.
C) gap junction.
D) tight junction.
E) focal contact.

Answer 1

Hemidesmosomes are the type of adhesive junction that connects epithelial cells to the basal lamina, using integrins for attachment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of adhesive junction that connects epithelial cells to the basal lamina is a hemidesmosome. Hemidesmosomes function like half desmosomes and are responsible for anchoring cells to the extracellular matrix, such as the basal lamina. Unlike desmosomes that connect cell to cell using cadherins, hemidesmosomes utilize integrins to connect to the extracellular matrix. This interaction helps stabilize the structure of epithelial tissues and secures the epithelium to the underlying tissue.