Fig. 1. Homotypic, interneuronal and heterotypic junctions. (A) The junctional complex in small intestine absorptive epithelial cells. The junctional complex, which consists of AJs, TJs and DSs, localizes at the most apical region of the lateral membrane. These junctional structures are typically aligned from the apical to basal sides. (B) Synapses. Synapses are intercellular junctions that are typically formed between axons and dendrites of neurons. There are morphologically various types of synapses. (C) Two types of intercellular junctions and spermatogenesis. The seminiferous epithelium of the testis has Sertoli-cell—Sertoli-cell and Sertoli-cell—spermatid junctions. At Sertoli-cell—spermatid junctions, the F-actin bundles surround the spermatid heads like parallel rings (3D view). Unlike this figure, one Sertoli cell does not bind the germ cells of all developmental stages at the same time. The germ cells in the epithelium are locally synchronized for their development. The dashed boxes in A, B and C correspond to the panels in Fig. 4A, B and C, respectively.

Return to article