title: Focal adhesions and cell-matrix interactions.
abstract: Focal adhesions are areas of cell surfaces where specializations of cytoskeletal, membrane and extracellular components combine to produce stable cell-matrix interactions. The morphology of these adhesions and the components identified in them are discussed together with possible mechanisms of their formation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Woods
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Couchman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D013499:Surface Properties