Extracellular matrix mechanical forces into

All of these structures have an epithelial lining that lies at the interface as well as extracellular matrix including basement membranes and loose connective tissue that supports the cellular layers (Table 3.2). These tissues are similar in their general structure they all have an inner cellular layer, supportive connective tissue, and an outer cellular layer. It is important to be familiar with the structure of these tissues to be able to analyze how external and internal mechanical forces are transduced at both the macroscopic and microscopic level into and out of cells. The effect of mechanical loading on these tissues is complex, but as discussed above, with increased frictional forces on the epidermis, the surface layer of skin actually increases the thickness of the epidermis. 

Mechanosensing is used to describe the process by which cells sense mechanical forces. Mechanochemical transduction is the phrase that is used to try to describe the biological processes by which external forces such as gravity influence the biochemical and genetic responses of cells and tissues. Specifically, these responses include stimulation of cell proliferation or apoptosis (death) and synthesis or catabolism of components of the extracellular matrix. These processes cause either increases in chemical energy (conversion of amino acids or other small molecules into macromolecules) or decreases in chemical energy (depolymerization of macromolecules). 

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