Dictionary of Biological Psychology
The spaces between cells are occupied by fluids (generally known as EXTRACELLULAR or INTERSTITIAL FLUIDS): in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM this fluid is CEREBROSPINAL FLUID.
However, cells do not just float in this fluid, but are held in place by an extracellular matrix. GLYCOPROTEINS form the bulk of this: COLLAGEN is another important component, held in a network of PROTEOGLYCANS. FIBRONECTINS are a form of glycoprotein that help anchor cells, binding to receptor proteins on cells called INTEGRINS.
See also: neural adhesion molecules
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