Which junctional structure anchors the basal surface of an epithelial cell to the underlying basal lamina?
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Correct answer: Hemidesmosome
Hemidesmosomes look like 'half' desmosomes and are found on the basal plasma membrane. They utilize integrins to bind to laminin and type IV collagen in the basal lamina, anchoring the epithelium to the connective tissue.
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