Ground substance

Ground substance is the extracellular matrix in which cells and fibers of connective tissue are embedded. It is a transparent, colorless, and homogeneous substance with a gel-like consistency.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈgraʊnd ˈsʌbstəns/

Etymology

The term "ground substance" is derived from the German word "Grundsubstanz", which was first used in the late 19th century to describe the material in which cells were embedded.

Definition

Ground substance is an amorphous gel-like substance in the extracellular space that contains all components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) except for fibrous materials such as collagen and elastin. It is primarily composed of water, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans, and glycoproteins.

Function

The main function of the ground substance is to provide a medium through which nutrients and metabolic wastes can diffuse between capillaries and cells. It also plays a crucial role in tissue hydration and swelling pressure.

Components

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)

GAGs are long unbranched polysaccharides containing a repeating disaccharide unit. They attract and retain water, giving the ground substance its gel-like character.

Proteoglycans

Proteoglycans are proteins that are heavily glycosylated. They fill up the spaces between the cells and fibers in the connective tissue, providing structural support and elasticity.

Glycoproteins

Glycoproteins are proteins that contain oligosaccharide chains covalently attached to their polypeptide side-chains. They play a role in cell-cell interactions and provide a binding site for components of the ECM.

Related Terms

• Extracellular matrix
• Connective tissue
• Collagen
• Elastin
• Glycosaminoglycans
• Proteoglycans
• Glycoproteins

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Ground substance
• Wikipedia's article - Ground substance

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