Cells travel through microscopic scaffolding within tissues. This scaffolding is called the extracellular matrix (ECM).
The Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
The ECM provides a pathway for cells to navigate within tissues. Here are key aspects of this movement:
- Microscopic Scaffolding: The ECM acts as a complex network that supports cell movement.
- Shape Changes: As cells travel, they change their shape to navigate the ECM's intricate structure.
- Purposeful Movement: Cells appear to follow specific tracts within the ECM, suggesting directed movement rather than random wandering.
In tissues, cells travel through microscopic scaffolding, called the extracellular matrix (ECM), changing their shapes and following tracts in a seemingly purposeful way.
