Cell junction

Cell junctions join cells in some biological tissues.

They have long protein chains, The proteins keep connections between neighbouring cells or between a cell and other structures. They also  control substance transport outside cell surfaces.R. Rieger; A. Michaelis & Green M.M. 1976 Glossary of genetics and cytogenetics: classical and molecular. Berlin; New York: Springer-Verlag, p. 62.

Vertebrates have three main types of cell junction:

Adherens junctions: holds cells together and provides tissues with structural support. They are common where mechanical stress occurs eg. skin or heart 
desmosomes 
hemidesmosomes
Gap junctions: allows for chemical communication between neighbouring cells 
Tight junctions: regulate movement of water and liquids between epithelial layers

 Related pages 
Desmosome
Fusome

References

Category:Cell biology