細胞の外側に存在する複雑な網目状の構造体で、タンパク質や多糖類から構成される細胞外基質のことである。組織の構造的支持だけでなく、細胞の接着、分化、増殖、移動、シグナル伝達など多様な生理機能に関与している。

The extracellular matrix is a complex, network-like structure located outside the cell, composed of proteins and polysaccharides. In addition to providing structural support to tissues, it plays a role in a variety of physiological functions, including cell adhesion, differentiation, proliferation, migration, and signal transduction.