Extracellular space
Extracellular Space
The Extracellular Space (pronunciation: ek-struh-sel-yuh-ler speys) is a term used in biology and medicine to describe the bodily fluids and substances that exist outside of the cells in an organism.
Etymology
The term "Extracellular Space" is derived from the Latin words extra meaning "outside" and cella meaning "cell". The term "space" is used to denote the area or volume that these substances occupy.
Definition
The Extracellular Space is the body's internal environment that exists outside the cell membrane. It includes the interstitial fluid, blood plasma, and the transcellular fluid. These fluids provide the necessary environment for the cells to function and survive. They transport nutrients, hormones, and waste products between different parts of the body.
Function
The Extracellular Space plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. It allows for the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the cells and the blood. It also plays a role in cell communication, as it contains various signaling molecules and extracellular matrix proteins that help in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation.
Related Terms
- Intracellular Space: The space within the cells of the body.
- Interstitial Fluid: The fluid in the extracellular space that surrounds the cells.
- Blood Plasma: The liquid component of blood, which is part of the extracellular space.
- Transcellular Fluid: The fluid that is contained within certain areas or compartments of the body.
- Extracellular Matrix: The non-cellular component present within all tissues and organs, providing essential physical scaffolding for the cellular constituents.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Extracellular space
- Wikipedia's article - Extracellular space
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