9/27/23, 8:51 AM Connective Tissues - Course Hero
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Anatomy and Physiology / Body Tissues / Connective Tissues
Body Tissues
Recommended by Professor Betty McGuire
Betty
Contents
Overview
Vocabulary
Types of Tissues
Epithelial Tissues
Connective Tissues
Muscle and Nervous Tissues
Cell Junctions, Glands, and Membranes
Suggested Reading
Connective Tissues
Connective tissue connects structures in the body to provide support for organs, store fat,
and transport substances.
Connective tissue is composed of cells and an extracellular matrix that binds the cells and organs,
integrating all parts of the body. It is the most widespread tissue of the body and can be found in
every organ. The nonliving extracellular matrix is usually the most abundant portion of connective
tissue and has two components, fibers and ground substance. A variety of cell types are found in
connective tissues. The cell type that distinguishes the type of connective tissue exists in immature
and mature stages. Immature cells undergo cell division and produce and secrete the extracellular
matrix. Mature cells are embedded in the extracellular matrix and act to maintain the matrix.
The types and proportions of fibers of the extracellular matrix determine the features of the
connective tissues, whether they are strong and hard, gelatinous, flexible, elastic, or fluid. The three
types of fibers found in connective tissues are elastic, collagen, and reticular fibers. An elastic fiber is
a type of fiber found in connective tissue that can stretch and recoil. A collagen fiber is a type of fiber
found in connective tissue that provides strength. A reticular fiber is a type of fiber found in
connective tissue that has a netlike formation and provides support.
The ground substance is composed of extracellular fluid, dissolved substances, and large globular
proteins found in the extracellular matrix. The ground substance serves as a diffusion medium, helps
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