<P> Cell junctions are especially important in enabling communication between neighboring cells via specialized proteins called communicating junctions . Cell junctions are also important in reducing stress placed upon cells . </P> <P> In vertebrates, there are three major types of cell junction: </P> <Ul> <Li> Adherens junctions, desmosomes and hemidesmosomes (anchoring junctions) </Li> <Li> Gap junctions (communicating junction) </Li> <Li> Tight junctions (occluding junctions) </Li> </Ul> <Li> Adherens junctions, desmosomes and hemidesmosomes (anchoring junctions) </Li>

Three types of cell junctions found in animal tissues