Connective tissue

Tissue of mesodermal origin consisting of various cells (e.g., fibroblasts and macrophages) and interlacing protein fibers (e.g., collagen) embedded in a chiefly carbohydrate ground substance that supports, ensheaths, and binds together other tissues. Includes loose and dense forms (e.g., adipose tissue, tendons, ligaments, and aponeuroses) and specialized forms (e.g., cartilage and bone).

Tissue that supports and binds other tissues. It consists of connective tissue cells embedded in a large amount of extracellular matrix.

Primary tissue characterized by cells separated by intercellular fluid that supports and binds together other tissues and forms ligaments and tendons.

A fibrous body tissue with a variety of functions forms the structural material of some body organs supports and connects internal organs and attaches the muscles to bones, ligaments; tendons.

Tissue which forms the main part of bones and cartilage, ligaments and tendons, in which a large proportion of fibrous material surrounds the tissue cells.

Material that supports and binds other tissues and parts of the body; it includes skin, bone, tendons, ligaments, and interlacing fibrils. Many diseases of connective tissue are difficult to cure (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma).

Any tissue that connects, binds, or supports a structure of the body. Different connective tissues are derived from different combinations of cells, fibers, and substances found in bones, arteries, and veins. Loose connective tissue is so called for its irregularly arranged fibers. The fibrous support in this tissue comes from collagen, a strong, linked protein, and from elastic fibers made of the protein elastin. This kind of connective tissue is found, for example, in the lower layers of the skin. Adipose tissue is made of fat cells supplied with lymph and blood. Besides serving as a source of fuel, adipose tissue, such as the buttocks and breasts, helps insulate and pad body organs. In dense, regular connective tissue, masses of fibers lie in a tight parallel arrangement. Able to stretch, yet strongly resistant to twisting forces, this kind of connective tissue forms tendons and ligaments. Dense, irregular connective tissue contains loosely arranged fibers and few cells. It envelops muscle tissue and certain internal organs, forms joint capsules, and makes up the dermis, the thick, inner layer of the skin. This type of connective tissue resists impact well even though it receives only a minimal blood supply.

The tissue that supports, binds, or separates more specialized tissues and organs or functions as a packing tissue of the body. It consists of an amorphous ground substance of mucopolysaccharides in which may be embedded white (collagenous), yellow (elastic), and reticular fibers, fat cells, fibroblasts, mast cells, and macrophages. Variations in chemical composition of the ground substance and in the proportions and quantities of cells and fibers give rise to tissues of widely differing characteristics, including bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments as well as adipose, areolar, and elastic tissues.

Sometimes called fibrous tissue, it is one of the most abundant tissues in the body, holding together the body’s many different structures. Connective tissue comprises a matrix of substances called mucopolysaccharides in which are embedded various specialist tissues and cells. These include elastic (yellow), collagenous (white) and reticular fibres as well as macrophages and mast cells. Assembled in differing proportions, this provides structures with varying functions: bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and fatty and elastic tissues. Collagenous connective tissue binds the muscles together and provides the substance of skin. It is also laid down in wound repair, forming the scar tissue. Contracting with time, connective tissue becomes denser, causing the puckering that is typical in serious wounds or burns.

Tissue that supports and connects other tissues and parts of the body. Connective tissue has comparatively few cells. Its bulk consists of intercellular substance or matrix, whose nature gives each type of connective tissue its particular properties. The vascular supply varies: cartilage, none; fibrous, poor; adipose, good; and bone, abundant. Connective tissue includes the following types: areolar, adipose, fibrous, elastic, reticular, cartilage, and bone. Blood may also be considered a connective tissue.

Fibrous tissue that binds together, protects, and supports the various parts of the body. Examples of connective tissue are bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, blood, lymph, and fat.

Supporting tissue that surrounds other tissues and organs. Specialized connective tissue includes bone, cartilage, blood and fat.

Tissue in the body that binds, supports, and strengthens other tissues. Important in joint stability and function.

The connective tissue, encompassing various types such as cartilage, bone, adipose tissue, subcutaneous tissue, as well as the supportive tissues surrounding organs, blood vessels, and nerves, plays a pivotal role in providing structural support and integrity to the entire body.

Connective tissue is the substance that provides support, connection, and separation between different structures within the body. Tendons and cartilage are composed of connective tissue. This type of tissue also forms the matrix, or the fundamental substance, of bones as well as the non-muscular components of arteries and veins.