zonula occludens

(noun)

Another name for tight junctions.

Related Terms

  • cytoskeleton
  • cell adhesion molecule
  • Claudins
  • epithelia
  • blood-brain barrier

Examples of zonula occludens in the following topics:

  • Tight Junctions

    • This is why tight junctions are also called zonula occludens. 
    • The word zonula comes from words that mean small zone or encircling belt, while occludens comes from the Latin word occludere, which means to close up.
    • Zonula occludens (ZO) are proteins that help link the tight junction to each cell's internal skeleton (cytoskeleton).
  • Adherens Junctions

    • Adherens junctions are also referred to as zonula adherens, intermediate junction, or as belt desmosomes. 
    • Zonula means small zone or belt-like, and adherens refers to adhesion (sticking together). 
    • As a result, the zonula adherens often runs like a belt around the entire cell in a continuous fashion, and it acts as an adhesion belt.
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