adhesive glycoprotein found within the ECM that mediates extracellular matrix assembly and cell attachment to the ECM.

proteins recognized by integrins to interact with collagen

An extracellular multiadhesive protein that binds to other matrix components, fibrin, and cell-surface receptors of the integrin family. It functions to attach cells to the extracellular matrix and is important in wound healing. ( Figure 22-22)

A component of the structural material that surrounds cells (the extracellular matrix). Although important in normal conditions, it becomes a barrier to regrowing axons.

Fibronectin is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein containing about 5% carbohydrate that binds to receptor proteins that span the cell's membrane, called integrins. In addition to integrins, they also bind extracellular matrix components such as collagen, fibrin and heparin.