A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of a member of the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) family to a receptor on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of a member of the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) family to a receptor on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the ureteric bud over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a mesenchymal tissue over time, from its formation to the mature structure. A mesenchymal tissue is made up of loosely packed stellate cells.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the skeleton over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The skeleton is the bony framework of the body in vertebrates (endoskeleton) or the hard outer envelope of insects (exoskeleton or dermoskeleton).

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the metanephros over time, from its formation to the mature structure. In mammals, the metanephros is the excretory organ of the fetus, which develops into the mature kidney and is formed from the rear portion of the nephrogenic cord. The metanephros is an endocrine and metabolic organ that filters the blood and excretes the end products of body metabolism in the form of urine.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the mesonephros over time, from its formation to the mature structure. In mammals, the mesonephros is the second of the three embryonic kidneys to be established and exists only transiently. In lower vertebrates such as fish and amphibia, the mesonephros will form the mature kidney.

A transition where an epithelial cell loses apical/basolateral polarity, severs intercellular adhesive junctions, degrades basement membrane components and becomes a migratory mesenchymal cell.

The developmental process pertaining to the initial formation of an endocardial cushion. The endocardial cushion is a specialized region of mesenchymal cells that will give rise to the heart septa and valves.

The process in which the anatomical structure of the pericardium is generated and organized.

Any process that increases the frequency, rate or extent of gene expression. Gene expression is the process in which a gene's coding sequence is converted into a mature gene product or products (proteins or RNA). This includes the production of an RNA transcript as well as any processing to produce a mature RNA product or an mRNA or circRNA (for protein-coding genes) and the translation of that mRNA or circRNA into protein. Protein maturation is included when required to form an active form of a product from an inactive precursor form.

Any process that decreases the rate or extent of striated muscle cell apoptotic process, a form of programmed cell death induced by external or internal signals that trigger the activity of proteolytic caspases whose actions dismantle a striated muscle cell and result in its death.

Any process that increases the frequency, rate or extent of peptidyl-threonine phosphorylation. Peptidyl-threonine phosphorylation is the phosphorylation of peptidyl-threonine to form peptidyl-O-phospho-L-threonine.

Any process that increases the rate, frequency or extent of pathway-restricted SMAD protein phosphorylation. Pathway-restricted SMAD proteins and common-partner SMAD proteins are involved in the transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathways.

Any process that increases the rate, frequency or extent of pathway-restricted SMAD protein phosphorylation. Pathway-restricted SMAD proteins and common-partner SMAD proteins are involved in the transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathways.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the dendrite over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

The process in which the lateral borders of the neural plate begin to migrate upwards to form the neural folds, caused by the proliferation of the underlying mesoderm.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of bone mineralization.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the hindbrain over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The hindbrain is the posterior of the three primary divisions of the developing chordate brain, or the corresponding part of the adult brain (in vertebrates, includes the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata and controls the autonomic functions and equilibrium).

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of the activity of the transcription factor NF-kappaB.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate, or extent of heterotypic cell-cell adhesion.

A process in which a protein transports or maintains the localization of another protein to the nucleus.

Any process that stops, prevents or decreases the rate of addition of phosphate groups to a molecule.

A series of molecular signals mediated by a steroid hormone binding to a receptor.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of MAP kinase activity.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of neuron differentiation.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of osteoblast differentiation.

Any process that stops, prevents or reduces the rate or extent of progression through the cell cycle.

Any process that stops, prevents or reduces the rate or extent of mitosis. Mitosis is the division of the eukaryotic cell nucleus to produce two daughter nuclei that, usually, contain the identical chromosome complement to their mother.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of cellular DNA-templated transcription.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of cellular DNA-templated transcription.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of cardiac muscle over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of a mesenchymal cell. A mesenchymal cell is a loosely associated cell that is part of the connective tissue in an organism. Mesenchymal cells give rise to more mature connective tissue cell types.

The process in which the anatomical structures of a neuron projection are generated and organized. A neuron projection is any process extending from a neural cell, such as axons or dendrites.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the pharyngeal system over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The pharyngeal system is a transient embryonic complex that is specific to vertebrates. It comprises the pharyngeal arches, bulges of tissues of mesoderm and neural crest derivation through which pass nerves and pharyngeal arch arteries. The arches are separated internally by pharyngeal pouches, evaginations of foregut endoderm, and externally by pharyngeal clefts, invaginations of surface ectoderm. The development of the system ends when the stucture it contributes to are forming: the thymus, thyroid, parathyroids, maxilla, mandible, aortic arch, cardiac outflow tract, external and middle ear.

Any process that modulates the rate, frequency or extent of pathway-restricted SMAD protein phosphorylation. Pathway-restricted SMAD proteins and common-partner SMAD proteins are involved in the transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathways.

The cascade of processes by which a signal interacts with a receptor, causing a change in the activity of a SMAD protein, and ultimately effecting a change in the functioning of the cell.

The process in which the anatomical structure of a cardiac septum is generated and organized. A cardiac septum is a partition that separates parts of the heart.

Any process that decreases the rate or frequency of cell death. Cell death is the specific activation or halting of processes within a cell so that its vital functions markedly cease, rather than simply deteriorating gradually over time, which culminates in cell death.

The cell-cell adhesion process in which the cells of the chorion fuse to the cells of the allantois.

The process of shaping a trabecula in the heart. A trabecula is a small, often microscopic, tissue element in the form of a small beam, strut or rod, which generally has a mechanical function. Trabecula are usually but not necessarily, composed of dense collagenous tissue.

The adhesion of one monocyte to one or more other monocytes via adhesion molecules.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a stimulus indicating lowered oxygen tension. Hypoxia, defined as a decline in O2 levels below normoxic levels of 20.8 - 20.95%, results in metabolic adaptation at both the cellular and organismal level.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) stimulus.

Any process that decreases the frequency, rate or extent of glomerular mesangial cell proliferation.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of dendrite development.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of hyaluranon cable assembly.

Any process that stops, prevents or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of NIK/NF-kappaB signaling.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of an allantois over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of removal of superoxide radicals.

Any process that increases the rate, frequency or extent of pathway-restricted SMAD protein phosphorylation. Pathway-restricted SMAD proteins and common-partner SMAD proteins are involved in the transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathways.

A process in which a protein transports or maintains the localization of another protein to the nucleus.

Any process that stops, prevents or decreases the rate of addition of phosphate groups to a molecule.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of MAP kinase activity.

Any process that stops, prevents or reduces the rate or extent of mitosis. Mitosis is the division of the eukaryotic cell nucleus to produce two daughter nuclei that, usually, contain the identical chromosome complement to their mother.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of cellular DNA-templated transcription.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of a mesenchymal cell. A mesenchymal cell is a loosely associated cell that is part of the connective tissue in an organism. Mesenchymal cells give rise to more mature connective tissue cell types.

The cascade of processes by which a signal interacts with a receptor, causing a change in the activity of a SMAD protein, and ultimately effecting a change in the functioning of the cell.

Any process that decreases the frequency, rate or extent of glomerular mesangial cell proliferation.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the eye over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The eye is the organ of sight.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the ureteric bud over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

The process that gives rise to the mesoderm. This process pertains to the initial formation of the structure from unspecified parts.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the kidney over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The kidney is an organ that filters the blood and/or excretes the end products of body metabolism in the form of urine.

The tube morphogenesis process in which the primitive heart tube loops asymmetrically. This looping brings the primitive heart chambers into alignment preceding their future integration. Heart looping begins with dextral-looping and ends when the main regional divisions of the mature heart and primordium of the great arterial trunks become established preceeding septation.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the embryonic heart tube are generated and organized. The embryonic heart tube is an epithelial tube that will give rise to the mature heart.

The developmental process pertaining to the initial formation of an endocardial cushion. The endocardial cushion is a specialized region of mesenchymal cells that will give rise to the heart septa and valves.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of a member of the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) family to a receptor on the surface of a target cell, which contributes to the process of heart jogging.

The process in which the anatomical structure of the pericardium is generated and organized.

The establishment of an organism's body plan or part of an organism with respect to the left and right halves. The pattern can either be symmetric, such that the halves are mirror images, or asymmetric where the pattern deviates from this symmetry.

Any developmental process that results in the creation of defined areas or spaces within an organism to which cells respond and eventually are instructed to differentiate.

The chemotaxis process that directs the migration of an axon growth cone to a specific target site in response to a combination of attractive and repulsive cues.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the salivary gland are generated and organized.

Any process that stops, prevents or reduces the rate or extent of cell proliferation.

The process that results in the patterns of cell differentiation that will arise in an embryo.

Morphogenesis of an animal organ. An organ is defined as a tissue or set of tissues that work together to perform a specific function or functions. Morphogenesis is the process in which anatomical structures are generated and organized. Organs are commonly observed as visibly distinct structures, but may also exist as loosely associated clusters of cells that work together to perform a specific function or functions.

The regionalization process in which the areas along the dorsal/ventral axis are established that will lead to differences in cell differentiation. The dorsal/ventral axis is defined by a line that runs orthogonal to both the anterior/posterior and left/right axes. The dorsal end is defined by the upper or back side of an organism. The ventral end is defined by the lower or front side of an organism.

The regionalization process in which the areas along the dorsal/ventral axis are established that will lead to differences in cell differentiation. The dorsal/ventral axis is defined by a line that runs orthogonal to both the anterior/posterior and left/right axes. The dorsal end is defined by the upper or back side of an organism. The ventral end is defined by the lower or front side of an organism.

The regionalization process in which the areas along the dorsal/ventral axis are established that will lead to differences in cell differentiation. The dorsal/ventral axis is defined by a line that runs orthogonal to both the anterior/posterior and left/right axes. The dorsal end is defined by the upper or back side of an organism. The ventral end is defined by the lower or front side of an organism.

Any process that increases the frequency, rate or extent of gene expression. Gene expression is the process in which a gene's coding sequence is converted into a mature gene product or products (proteins or RNA). This includes the production of an RNA transcript as well as any processing to produce a mature RNA product or an mRNA or circRNA (for protein-coding genes) and the translation of that mRNA or circRNA into protein. Protein maturation is included when required to form an active form of a product from an inactive precursor form.

Any process that increases the rate, frequency, or extent of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition is where an epithelial cell loses apical/basolateral polarity, severs intercellular adhesive junctions, degrades basement membrane components and becomes a migratory mesenchymal cell.

Any process that increases the frequency, rate or extent of peptidyl-threonine phosphorylation. Peptidyl-threonine phosphorylation is the phosphorylation of peptidyl-threonine to form peptidyl-O-phospho-L-threonine.

Any process that increases the rate, frequency or extent of pathway-restricted SMAD protein phosphorylation. Pathway-restricted SMAD proteins and common-partner SMAD proteins are involved in the transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathways.

Any process that increases the rate or frequency of cell death. Cell death is the specific activation or halting of processes within a cell so that its vital functions markedly cease, rather than simply deteriorating gradually over time, which culminates in cell death.

The process in which the lateral borders of the neural plate begin to migrate upwards to form the neural folds, caused by the proliferation of the underlying mesoderm.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the locus ceruleus over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The locus ceruleus is a dense cluster of neurons within the dorsorostral pons. This nucleus is the major location of neurons that release norepinephrine throughout the brain, and is responsible for physiological responses to stress and panic.

The process, occurring in the embryo, by which the anatomical structures of the limb are generated and organized. A limb is an appendage of an animal used for locomotion or grasping.

The process, occurring in the embryo, by which the anatomical structures of the limb are generated and organized. A limb is an appendage of an animal used for locomotion or grasping.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of bone mineralization.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of a member of the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) family to a receptor on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of a member of the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) family to a receptor on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of an epithelial cell, any of the cells making up an epithelium.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the hindbrain over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The hindbrain is the posterior of the three primary divisions of the developing chordate brain, or the corresponding part of the adult brain (in vertebrates, includes the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata and controls the autonomic functions and equilibrium).

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of stimulus by estradiol, a C18 steroid hormone hydroxylated at C3 and C17 that acts as a potent estrogen.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a vitamin D stimulus.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate, or extent of heterotypic cell-cell adhesion.

A process in which a protein transports or maintains the localization of another protein to the nucleus.

The process in which the anatomical structures of a tube are generated and organized. Epithelial and endothelial tubes transport gases, liquids and cells from one site to another and form the basic structure of many organs and tissues, with tube shape and organization varying from the single-celled excretory organ in Caenorhabditis elegans to the branching trees of the mammalian kidney and insect tracheal system.

The process in which a post-anal tail is generated and organized. A post-anal tail is a muscular region of the body that extends posterior to the anus. The post-anal tail may aid locomotion and balance.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of addition of phosphate groups into a molecule.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of addition of phosphate groups into a molecule.

Any process that stops, prevents or decreases the rate of addition of phosphate groups to a molecule.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a dentin-containing tooth over time, from its formation to the mature structure. A dentin-containing tooth is a hard, bony organ borne on the jaw or other bone of a vertebrate, and is composed mainly of dentin, a dense calcified substance, covered by a layer of enamel.

Any process that restricts, stops or prevents a cell from specifying into an endoderm cell.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of cell death by apoptotic process.

A series of molecular signals mediated by a steroid hormone binding to a receptor.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of MAP kinase activity.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a peptide hormone stimulus. A peptide hormone is any of a class of peptides that are secreted into the blood stream and have endocrine functions in living animals.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of cell differentiation.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of neuron differentiation.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of neuron differentiation.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of neuron differentiation.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of osteoblast differentiation.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of the Notch signaling pathway.

Any process that stops, prevents or reduces the rate or extent of progression through the cell cycle.

Any process that stops, prevents or reduces the rate or extent of mitosis. Mitosis is the division of the eukaryotic cell nucleus to produce two daughter nuclei that, usually, contain the identical chromosome complement to their mother.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of cellular DNA-templated transcription.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of cellular DNA-templated transcription.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of transcription from an RNA polymerase II promoter.

The regionalization process that results in the determination of the identity of part of an organism or organ where those parts are of the type that occur in the ventral region. Identity is considered to be the aggregate of characteristics by which a structure is recognized.

The regionalization process that results in the determination of the identity of part of an organism or organ where those parts are of the type that occur in the ventral region. Identity is considered to be the aggregate of characteristics by which a structure is recognized.

The regionalization process that results in the determination of the identity of part of an organism or organ where those parts are of the type that occur in the ventral region. Identity is considered to be the aggregate of characteristics by which a structure is recognized.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the cell over time, from its formation to the mature structure. Cell development does not include the steps involved in committing a cell to a specific fate.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the eye are generated and organized. The camera-type eye is an organ of sight that receives light through an aperture and focuses it through a lens, projecting it on a photoreceptor field.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the eye are generated and organized during embryonic development.

The developmental process pertaining to the initial formation of an anatomical structure from unspecified parts. This process begins with the specific processes that contribute to the appearance of the discrete structure and ends when the structural rudiment is recognizable. An anatomical structure is any biological entity that occupies space and is distinguished from its surroundings. Anatomical structures can be macroscopic such as a carpel, or microscopic such as an acrosome.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of cardiac muscle over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

The process in which the anatomical structures of branches in an epithelial tube are generated and organized. A tube is a long hollow cylinder.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of a mesenchymal cell. A mesenchymal cell is a loosely associated cell that is part of the connective tissue in an organism. Mesenchymal cells give rise to more mature connective tissue cell types.

The process in which the anatomical structures of a neuron projection are generated and organized. A neuron projection is any process extending from a neural cell, such as axons or dendrites.

The process in which the anatomical structures of a neuron projection are generated and organized. A neuron projection is any process extending from a neural cell, such as axons or dendrites.

Any process that stops, prevents, or reduces the frequency, rate or extent of neurogenesis, the generation of cells within the nervous system.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the pharyngeal system over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The pharyngeal system is a transient embryonic complex that is specific to vertebrates. It comprises the pharyngeal arches, bulges of tissues of mesoderm and neural crest derivation through which pass nerves and pharyngeal arch arteries. The arches are separated internally by pharyngeal pouches, evaginations of foregut endoderm, and externally by pharyngeal clefts, invaginations of surface ectoderm. The development of the system ends when the stucture it contributes to are forming: the thymus, thyroid, parathyroids, maxilla, mandible, aortic arch, cardiac outflow tract, external and middle ear.

The process in which the anatomical structures of skeletal joints are generated and organized during the embryonic phase. A skeletal joint is the connecting structure between the bones of the skeleton.

The process in which the anatomical structures of skeletal joints are generated and organized during the embryonic phase. A skeletal joint is the connecting structure between the bones of the skeleton.

Any process that modulates the rate, frequency or extent of pathway-restricted SMAD protein phosphorylation. Pathway-restricted SMAD proteins and common-partner SMAD proteins are involved in the transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathways.

The cascade of processes by which a signal interacts with a receptor, causing a change in the activity of a SMAD protein, and ultimately effecting a change in the functioning of the cell.

The process in which the anatomical structure of a cardiac septum is generated and organized. A cardiac septum is a partition that separates parts of the heart.

The process in which the branching structure of the salivary gland is generated and organized.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a mesenchymal tissue over time, from its formation to the mature structure. A mesenchymal tissue is made up of loosely packed stellate cells.

Any process that decreases the rate or frequency of cell death. Cell death is the specific activation or halting of processes within a cell so that its vital functions markedly cease, rather than simply deteriorating gradually over time, which culminates in cell death.

Any process that decreases the rate, frequency, or extent of prostatic bud formation, the morphogenetic process in which a region of the fetal urogenital sinus epithelium is specified to become the prostate, resulting in prostate bud outgrowth.

Any process that modulates the rate, frequency, or extent of prostate gland branching, the process in which the branching structure of the prostate gland is generated and organized. A branch is a division or offshoot from a main stem.

The cell-cell adhesion process in which the cells of the chorion fuse to the cells of the allantois.

The process of shaping a trabecula in the heart. A trabecula is a small, often microscopic, tissue element in the form of a small beam, strut or rod, which generally has a mechanical function. Trabecula are usually but not necessarily, composed of dense collagenous tissue.

The aggregation, arrangement and bonding together of a set of macromolecules to form a protein-containing complex.

The adhesion of one monocyte to one or more other monocytes via adhesion molecules.

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) stimulus.

Any process that reduces the occurrence or rate of mesenchymal stem cell death by apoptotic process that contributes to the shaping of the nephron.

Any process that decreases the frequency, rate or extent of glomerular mesangial cell proliferation.

The process in which the anatomical structures of a metanephric mesenchymal tissue are generated and organized. Metanephric mesenchyme is the tissue made up of loosely connected mesenchymal cells in the metanephros.

The process in which the anatomical structures of a nephrogenic mesenchymal tissue are generated and organized. Nephrogenic mesenchyme is the tissue made up of loosely connected mesenchymal cells in the nephron.

The multiplication or reproduction of cells, resulting in the expansion of a metanephric mesenchymal cell population.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of dendrite development.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of hyaluranon cable assembly.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of an allantois over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of cardiac neural crest cell migration involved in outflow tract morphogenesis.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of progesterone secretion.

Any process that decreases the rate or frequency of cell death. Cell death is the specific activation or halting of processes within a cell so that its vital functions markedly cease, rather than simply deteriorating gradually over time, which culminates in cell death.

That part of a multicellular organism outside the cells proper, usually taken to be outside the plasma membranes, and occupied by fluid.

The space external to the outermost structure of a cell. For cells without external protective or external encapsulating structures this refers to space outside of the plasma membrane. This term covers the host cell environment outside an intracellular parasite.

That part of a multicellular organism outside the cells proper, usually taken to be outside the plasma membranes, and occupied by fluid.

Any small, fluid-filled, spherical organelle enclosed by membrane.

Any small, fluid-filled, spherical organelle enclosed by membrane.

An extracellular matrix consisting mainly of proteins (especially collagen) and glycosaminoglycans (mostly as proteoglycans) that provides not only essential physical scaffolding for the cellular constituents but can also initiate crucial biochemical and biomechanical cues required for tissue morphogenesis, differentiation and homeostasis. The components are secreted by cells in the vicinity and form a sheet underlying or overlying cells such as endothelial and epithelial cells.

An extracellular matrix consisting mainly of proteins (especially collagen) and glycosaminoglycans (mostly as proteoglycans) that provides not only essential physical scaffolding for the cellular constituents but can also initiate crucial biochemical and biomechanical cues required for tissue morphogenesis, differentiation and homeostasis. The components are secreted by cells in the vicinity and form a sheet underlying or overlying cells such as endothelial and epithelial cells.