Final answer:
Hemidesmosomes are the specialized structures responsible for the attachment of epithelial cells to the extracellular matrix, supporting cell and tissue stability and differentiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specialized structure that mediates cell-matrix attachment in vivo at the basal surface of epithelial cells is known as hemidesmosomes.
Explanation
Hemidesmosomes play a vital role in the attachment of epithelial cells to the underlying basal lamina, a part of the extracellular matrix (ECM). These structures are akin to half a desmosome and are integral in providing strong connections that help stabilize epithelial tissues. Integrins, which are a type of adhesion protein, are present in hemidesmosomes and they interact with proteins within the ECM, such as laminin and collagen. This interaction is fundamental for cell adhesion, tissue development, and wound healing processes. Moreover, such attachments are crucial during embryonic development, as they influence cell and tissue differentiation, as well as gene expression, which is essential for the normal function and structure of all epithelial tissues.
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