Junctional complex between two cells in the epithelium of the rat intestinal mucosa. The tight junction (also known as zonula occludens) is the structure located nearest to the lumen. The elimination of the intercellular gap (approx 90 angstroms) is clearly visible, but the fusion line of the two apposed membranes cannot be clearly distinguished at this magnification. The adherens junction (also known as zonula adherens) is the next structure. A relatively wide intercellular space (approx 200 angstroms) is maintained throughout this junction. Extensive actin filament networks are seen along both sides of the junction which are continuous with the terminal web into which the filamentous rootlets of the mircovilli penetrate. Dense material can be seen along parts of both sides of the junction. The limits of a desmosome are marked by the edges of the dense plaques. Desmosomes are characterized by a wide intercellular space (approx 240 angstroms) bisected by an intermediate line. Bundles of intermediate filaments (diameter approx 80 angstroms) converge into a dense plaque on each side of the desmosome. The trilaminar structure of the cell membrane is clearly seen along the microvilli, between the Zonula Adherens and the desmosome and within the desmosome.First description of 1) tight junctions and 2) the junctional complexes between epithelial cells, consisting of tight junction, adherens junction and a desmosome. Identical labeled image available as CIL# 7621. Image published as Figure 1 in Farquhar and Palade, 1963.