gap junction

noun

: an area of contact between adjacent cells characterized by modification of the plasma membranes for intercellular communication or transfer of low molecular-weight substances

Examples of gap junction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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That's how electrical signals are transmitted through heart muscle to induce regular contractions: the pulses travel from cell to cell via connections called gap junctions. Philip Ball, Scientific American, 18 Apr. 2023 Cells have other options for exchanging molecules, most notably the structures called gap junctions and exosomes. Quanta Magazine, 23 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gap junction was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near gap junction

Cite this Entry

“Gap junction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gap%20junction. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

gap junction

noun
: an area of contact between adjacent cells characterized by modification of the plasma membranes for intercellular communication or transfer of low molecular-weight substances
gap-junctional adjective

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