Desmosome-Macula Adherens

Desmosomes can take the shape of a button ( punctum adherens, focal desmosome), of a disk ( macula adherens ), a band (fascia adherens) or a belt (zonula adherens, belt desmosome ). In this figure, two cells have attached to each  other via a macula adherens in a push-button style. In the 20–40 nm wide intercellular space, microfilaments provide a form of glue (desmoglea), which condenses in a center line (mesophragma). Tonofilaments, 10 nm thick , radiate into the condensed, disk-shaped cytoplasmic area (tonofilament-associated focal desmosome, type I desmosome).

Electron microscopy; magnification: × 46 500

Typical desmosomes ( maculae adherentes ) between two secretory duct cells from the parotid gland. Note the striation pattern in the intercellular junction  (glue). As seen before, Tonofilaments radiate into the disk-shaped condensed cytoplasmic area.

Electron microscopy; magnification: × 58 000

References

Kuehnel, W.(2003). Color Atlas of Cytology, Histology, and Microscopic Anatomy. 4^th edition . Institute of Anatomy Universitätzu Luebeck Luebeck, Germany . Thieme Stuttgar t · New York .