Question

Every tissue of our human body consists on cells and cells are not like static LEGO bricks. They are highly dynamic and can actively move around, due to myosin-actin networks inside the cell that are fueled by the hydrolyzation of ATP. However, most of the tissue is attached tightly in place. Clearly there is cell migration e.g. in case of wound healing.

But is it possible that tissue flows apart from the body due to the active nature of cells? Under which circumstances this can happen?

Answer 1

Although cells within tissues have the ability to move, they are generally locked in place by cell adhesion and the extracellular matrix.

Step-by-step explanation:

While cells within the tissues of our body possess the capability of movement due to the myosin-actin networks fuelled by ATP hydrolysis, tissue structures are generally stable and do not flow apart under normal circumstances. This stability is upheld by mechanisms including cell adhesion and cytoskeletal arrangements alongside the extracellular matrix, which mechanically lock cells in place.

For instance, desmosomes link the cytoskeletons of adjacent cells, particularly in skin tissue, to resist pulling forces without tearing apart. Moreover, muscle cells are specialized for contraction and movement, but their attachment to bones via tendons allows for controlled motion rather than a fluid-like dispersion of tissue.

Cellular motion like migration during wound healing is a tightly regulated process, where cells move towards the injury to repair it. However, unregulated cell migration or tissue separation could potentially occur in pathological conditions or when the mechanisms of cell adhesion, tissue integrity, or extracellular matrix composition are disrupted.