Which junction is also known as desmosome?

• A. Zonula occludens
• B. Zonula adherens
• C. Macula adherens
• D. Gap junctions

Answer: (C)

Distinguishing junction types by how they anchor cells and what they connect to is essential. Desmosomes are spot-like, plate-anchored junctions that grab onto intermediate filaments (like keratin) inside each cell and link them to the neighboring cell through desmosomal cadherins. This arrangement creates strong mechanical attachments that help tissues resist pulling and shearing forces, which is why these junctions are abundant in tissues under a lot of stress, such as skin and heart.

The junction that is also known as desmosome is macula adherens. It forms tight, localized connections across the cell–cell interface, with dense plaques on the cytoplasmic side and cadherin proteins spanning the extracellular space to bind the neighboring cell. This is distinct from zonula occludens (tight junctions) that seal gaps to regulate paracellular movement, zonula adherens (adherens junctions) that form belt-like bands linked to actin filaments, and gap junctions that create channels for direct intercellular communication.