Without the establishment and maintenance of specialized junctions, the specific association of which characterizes epithelial cells, the epithelium-specific polarity would not exist. The major goal of this review has been to develop the idea that relationships between CAMs and junctions do occur. Although CAMs were first described as morphoregulatory molecules essential for the normal development of the embryo, it has become evident that they may also have a role in epithelial cohesiveness as specialized junctions do. The arguments that suggest relationships between Ca2+-dependent CAMs (cadherins) and junctions are the following: (i) Some junction-specific molecules and cadherins are identical. (ii) In some cases, the expression of specific cadherins at the cell surface leads to the establishment of specialized junctions. (iii) The inhibition of cadherin-mediated adhesion blocks the establishment of specialized junctions. (iv) Junctions and cadherins are equally sensitive to Ca2+ ions. Moreover, chelation of external Ca2+ ions dissociates epithelial cells.