Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
gap junction
This term is a technical biological descriptor used primarily in histology, physiology, and cell biology. It describes a physical channel that bridges the cytoplasm of two cells, facilitating rapid chemical and electrical communication. In a clinical or academic register, it is used to explain how tissues like the heart or smooth muscle act as a single functional unit (a syncytium).
Because it refers to a specific anatomical structure, it is used almost exclusively in scientific contexts. It should not be confused with general "gaps" or "junctions" in engineering or linguistics, as it specifically denotes a protein-lined pore (connexon) that allows selective permeability between cells.
Meanings
A specialized intercellular connection in animal tissues that allows the direct passage of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells.
The heart's electrical impulses are coordinated through gap junctions between cardiac muscle cells.
Examples
Connexins are the proteins that form the channels of a gap junction.
The gap junction allows for rapid electrical coupling between neurons.
Wait, does a gap junction let larger proteins pass through or just small ions?
Cardiac muscle cells rely on the gap junction to contract in unison.
I wonder if the gap junction density changes during embryonic development.
The gap junction provides a direct pathway for chemical signaling between cells.
Look at this slide; you can clearly see the gap junction connecting these two cells.
A defect in the gap junction can lead to various genetic disorders.
The synchronization of the heartbeat is impossible without the gap junction.
The synchronization of the heartbeat is impossible without the gap junction.