Anatom3DExtracellular matrix
Matrix extracellularis · Mezibuněčná hmota
Fascia & connective tissue
Looks like
The material between cells — a mesh of collagen and other fibres in a gel of water and sugar-proteins.
What it does
Holds cells together, gives tissues their strength and signals cells where to grow.
Keeping it well
Vitamin C is needed to make collagen; lack causes scurvy. Too much matrix laid down after chronic injury causes scarring (fibrosis) in lungs, liver or skin.