Question

In skin, the cells of the epidermis connect to the basal lamina through cellular junctions known as hemidesmosomes. Select the cytoskeletal element that helps maintain the integrity of this connection.a. microtubules.

b. both intermediate filaments and microfilaments.
c. intermediate filaments.
d. microfilaments.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: C) intermediate filaments.

Step-by-step explanation:

Intermediate filaments are proteins present in every tissue and that are part of the cytoskeleton.

Although these filaments do not participate in cell motility as microtubules and microfilaments do, they have many functions like helping maintain the integrity of two important cellular junctions: desmosomes and hemidesmosomes.

Desmosomes adhere adjacent cells together, while hemidesmosomes connect the basal epithelial cells to the basal lamina.