Final answer:
Gap junctions are the parts of an animal cell that enable direct intercellular communication by transporting ions and nutrients between adjacent cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The part of a cell that directly permits intercellular communication with adjacent cells is gap junctions. Gap junctions in animal cells provide channels between adjacent cells that allow for the transport of ions, nutrients, and other substances, facilitating direct communication between cells. Structurally different from plasmodesmata in plant cells, which serve a similar purpose, gap junctions are crucial for animal cell communication and cohesion. Another form of cell communication is through chemical signaling, which can occur over distances, but for direct physical contact and communication, gap junctions are essential in animal cells.