The extracellular matrix surrounds cells and tissues. It provides structure to organisms and is important in determining cell growth, state of differentiation, and how the cell responds during injury and development. Changes in the extracellular matrix are also important components in both inherited and acquired diseases. Thus studies of the extracellular matrix span much of modern biological research. Because the extracellular matrix resides outside the cell, the properties of the component molecules require special approaches for their study. This volume brings together under a single cover the majority of the basic techniques employed in extracellular matrix research.