Connective tissues
Connective Tissues
Connective tissues (/kəˈnɛktɪv ˈtɪʃuːz/), derived from the Latin conectere meaning "to bind together", are a group of tissues in the body that maintain the form of the body and its organs and provide cohesion and internal support.
Definition
Connective tissues are one of the four types of biological tissue that support, bind, or separate more specialized tissues and organs of the body. They include several types of fibrous tissue that vary only in their density and cellularity, as well as the more specialized and recognizable variants—bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and adipose (fat) tissue.
Types
Connective tissues are classified into two subtypes: soft and specialized connective tissues.
- Soft Connective Tissues - These are the types of connective tissues that include areolar, adipose, and fibrous tissues. They provide support and protection to the body's organs and help in storing energy.
- Specialized Connective Tissues - These include bones, cartilage, blood, and lymphatic tissue. They have a more specific function compared to soft connective tissues.
Functions
Connective tissues perform many functions in the body, but most importantly they provide a framework for the body. They provide support and protection, bind organs together, store energy reserves as fat, and provide immunity to diseases.
Related Terms
- Fibroblast - A type of cell that synthesizes the extracellular matrix and collagen, the structural framework for animal tissues, and plays a critical role in wound healing.
- Extracellular matrix - A three-dimensional network of extracellular macromolecules such as collagen, enzymes, and glycoproteins that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.
- Collagen - The main structural protein in the extracellular matrix in the various connective tissues in the body.
- Elastin - A highly elastic protein in connective tissue that allows many tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Connective tissues
- Wikipedia's article - Connective tissues
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