An integral part of any living organism that can only be found on the planet is the intercellular substance. It is formed from the components known to us - blood plasma, lymph, collagen protein fibers, elastin, matrix, and so on. In any organism, cells and intercellular substance are inextricably linked. And now we will consider in detail the composition of this substance, its functions and features.
General data
So, the intercellular substance is one of the many types of connective tissue. It is present in various parts of our body, and depending on the location, its composition also changes. As a rule, such a binding substance is secreted by musculoskeletal tissues, which are responsible for the integrity of the work of the whole organism. The composition of the intercellular substance can also be characterized in general. These are blood plasma, lymph, protein, reticulin and elastin fibers. This tissue is based on a matrix, which is also called an amorphous substance. In turn, the matrix isa very complex set of organic substances, the cells of which are extremely small in size compared to the main known microscopic elements of the body.
Features of bonding fabric
The formed intercellular substance in tissues is the result of their activity. That is why its composition depends on which part of the body we are considering. If we talk about the germ, then in this case the type of substance will be the same. Here it appears from carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and fetal connective tissue. In the process of growth of the organism, its cells also become more diverse in their functions and content. As a result, the intercellular substance also changes. It can be found in the epithelium and in the depths of internal organs, in human bones and cartilage. And in each case, we will find an individual composition, the identity of which can only be determined by a knowledgeable biologist or physician.
The body's most important fiber
In the human body, the intercellular substance of the connective tissue performs the main supporting function. It is not responsible for the work of a specific organ or system, but supports the vital activity and interconnection of all components of a person or animal, from the deepest organs to the dermis. On average, this binder represents 60 to 90 percent of the total body weight. In other words, this substance in the body is a supporting frame that provides us with vital activity. This substance is divided intomany subspecies (see below), the structure of which is similar to each other, but not completely identical.
Dig even deeper - the "matrix"
The intercellular substance of the connective tissue itself is a matrix. It performs a transport function between various systems in the body, serves as a support for it and, if necessary, transmits various signals from one organ to another. Thanks to this matrix, metabolism occurs in a person or animal, it participates in the locomotion of cells, and is also an important component of their mass. It is also important to note that in the process of embryogenesis, many cells that were previously independent or belonged to a certain internal system become part of this substance. The main components of the matrix are hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans and glycoproteins. One of the most prominent representatives of the latter is collagen. This component fills the intercellular substance and is found literally in every, even the smallest corner of our body.
Internal structure of the skeleton
The formed bones of our body consist entirely of osteocyte cells. They have a pointed shape, a large and solid nucleus and a minimum of cytoplasm. The metabolism in such “hardened” systems of our body is carried out thanks to the bone tubules, which perform a drainage function. The intercellular substance of bone tissue itself is formed only during the period of bone formation. This process is carried out by osteoblast cells. They, in turn, after completionformations of all tissues and compounds in such a structure are destroyed and cease to exist. But at the initial stages, these bone cells secrete the intercellular substance through the synthesis of protein, carbohydrates and collagen. After the tissue matrix is formed, the cells begin to produce s alts that are converted into calcium. In this process, osteoblasts, as it were, block all the metabolic processes that took place inside them, stop and die. The strength of the skeleton is now maintained by the fact that the osteocytes are functioning. If any injury occurs (fracture, for example), then osteoblasts resume and begin to produce the intercellular substance of bone tissue in large quantities, which makes it possible for the body to cope with the disease.
Features of the structure of blood
Everyone knows very well that our red liquid contains such a component as plasma. It provides the necessary viscosity, the possibility of blood settling and much more. Thus, the intercellular substance of the blood is plasma. Macroscopically, it is a viscous liquid, which is either transparent or has a slight yellowish tint. Plasma always collects at the top of the vessel after the other major blood elements have settled. The percentage of such intercellular fluid in the blood is from 50 to 60%. The basis of the plasma itself is water, which contains lipids, proteins, glucose and hormones. Plasma also absorbs all metabolic products, which, afterdisposed of.
Types of proteins that are in our body
As we have already understood, the structure of the intercellular substance is based on proteins, which are the end product of the cells. In turn, these proteins can be divided into two categories: those that have adhesive properties, and those that eliminate cell adhesion. The first group mainly includes fibronectin, which is the main matrix. It is followed by nidogen, laminin, as well as fibrillar collagens, which form fibers. Various substances are transported through these tubules, which provide metabolism. The second group of proteins are antiadhesive components. They contain various glycoproteins. Among them we will name tenascin, osteonectin, trompospondin. These components are primarily responsible for the healing of wounds and injuries. They are also produced in large quantities during infectious diseases.
Functionality
It is obvious that the role of intercellular substance in any living organism is very high. This substance, consisting mainly of proteins, is formed even between the hardest cells, which are located at a minimum distance from each other (bone tissue). Due to its flexibility and tubules-conductors in this "semi-fluid" metabolism takes place. Here, the products of processing of the main cells can be released, or useful components and vitamins that have just entered the body with food or in another way can be supplied. intercellular substancepermeates our body completely, starting with the skin and ending with the cell membrane. That is why both Western medicine and Eastern medicine have long come to the conclusion that everything in us is interconnected. And if one of the internal organs is damaged, then this can affect the condition of the skin, hair, nails, or vice versa.
Perpetual motion machine
The present intercellular substance in the tissues of our body literally ensures its vital activity. It is divided into many different categories, may have a different molecular structure, and in some cases, the functions of the substance also differ. Well, let's consider what types of such connecting matter are and what is characteristic of each of them. Let's skip here, perhaps, only plasma, since we have already studied its functions and features enough, and we will not repeat ourselves.
Intercellular simple connection
Traceable between cells that are at a distance of 15 to 20 nm from each other. The binding tissue in this case is freely located in this space and does not prevent the passage of useful substances and waste products of the cells through its tubules. One of the most famous varieties of such a connection is the "castle". In this case, the bilipid membranes of cells located in space, as well as part of their cytoplasm, are compressed, forming a strong mechanical bond. Various components, vitamins and minerals pass through it, which ensure the functioning of the body.
Intercellular tight junction
The presence of intercellular substance does not always mean that the cells themselves are at a great distance from each other. In this case, with their similar adhesion, the membranes of all components of a separate system of the body are tightly compressed. Unlike the previous version - the “lock”, where the cells also touch, here such “stickings” prevent the passage of various substances through the fibers. It should be noted that this type of intercellular substance most reliably protects the body from the environment. Most often, such a dense fusion of cell membranes can be found in the skin, as well as in various types of dermis, which envelops the internal organs.
Third type - desmosome
This substance is a kind of sticky bond that forms above the surface of cells. This may be a small area, no more than 0.5 µm in diameter, which will provide the most efficient mechanical connection between the membranes. Due to the fact that desmosomes have a sticky structure, they very tightly and reliably glue cells together. As a result, metabolic processes in them occur more efficiently and quickly than under conditions of a simple intercellular substance. Such sticky formations are found in intercellular tissues of any type, and they are all interconnected by fibers. Their synchronous and consistent work allows the body to respond as soon as possible to any external damage, as well as process complex organic structures and transfer them to the right organs.
CellularNexus
This type of contact between cells is also called gap contact. The bottom line is that only two cells take part here, which are tightly adjacent to each other, and at the same time there are many protein channels between them. The exchange of substances occurs only between specific two components. Between cells that are so close to each other, there is an intercellular space, but in this case it is practically inactive. Further along the chain reaction, after the exchange of substances between the two components, vitamins and ions are transmitted further and further through protein channels. It is believed that this method of metabolism is the most efficient, and the he althier the body, the better it develops.
How the nervous system works
Speaking of metabolism, transport of vitamins and minerals throughout the body, we have missed a very important system, without which no living creature can function - the nervous system. The neurons of which it consists, in comparison with other cells of our body, are located at a very large distance from each other. That is why this space is filled with an intercellular substance, which is called a synapse. This type of connective tissue can only be located between identical nerve cells, or between a neuron and a so-called target cell, into which an impulse should arrive. A characteristic feature of the synapse is that it transmits a signal only from one cell to another, without spreading it to all neurons at once. Through such a chain, information reaches its “target” and informs a person about pain,ailments, etc.
Short afterword
Intercellular substance in tissues, as it turned out, plays an extremely important role in the development, formation and further life of every living organism. Such a substance makes up most of the mass of our body, it performs the most important function - transport, and allows all organs to work smoothly, complementing each other. The intercellular substance is able to independently recover from various injuries, bring the whole body into tone and correct the work of certain damaged cells. This substance is divided into many different types, it is found both in the skeleton and in the blood, and even in the nerve endings of living beings. And in all cases, it signals to us what is happening to us, makes it possible to feel pain if the work of a certain organ is disrupted, or the need for a certain element when it is not enough.
