What is the function of a desmosome in cell adhesion?

The function of a desmosome in cell adhesion is to join the intermediate filaments of one cell to those of a neighboring cell. Desmosomes are specialized structures that provide mechanical strength to tissues by anchoring the cytoskeletal elements within cells, specifically the intermediate filaments, to adjacent cells. This intercellular connection is crucial in tissues that experience significant mechanical stress, such as epithelial and cardiac tissues. By linking the intermediate filaments of neighboring cells, desmosomes help ensure that forces applied to one cell are evenly distributed across a tissue, thereby maintaining structural integrity and resilience. This function is essential for the overall durability and stability of tissues in the body that are subjected to stretching or other mechanical forces.