Connective tissue Various types of connective tissue can be found throughout the body. Their main function is to support the organism and protect its organs by filling in and connecting other tissues. Connective tissues are made up of widely separated cells, protein fibres produced by the cells, and an intercellular substance, or matrix, which fills in the spaces between cells and fibres. Proper connective tissue Blood tissue Adipose tissue Cartilage tissue Osseous or bone tissue It has ver y little matrix. The cells accumulate fat. They ser ve as a protector, an energy reser ve and a thermal insulator. It is found in the skin , between the muscles and around the internal organs. It can have a loose matrix, like in the dermis and between organs, or it can have a denser matrix, like in tendons and ligaments. Proper connective tissue holds tissues and organs together. The matrix in this tissue is called plasma . It is liquid and has no fibres. Blood tissue transports substances around the organism. It is found in arteries, veins and capillaries. The matrix of thi s ti ssue i s more or less solid and elastic with fibres. Cartilage ti ssue i s the main component of the skeleton of an embr yon . In adults, it is found in joints and in the cartilage of the nose, the trachea and the ear. The matrix of thi s ti ssue i s solid and minerali sed , made up mainly of calcium and phosphorus salts. Thi s gives it the strength to support weight without bending or breaking. Bone tissue makes up the bones of the skeleton . Fibroblast Adipocyte Erythrocyte Platelet Leukocyte Osteocyte Chondrocyte 27 1
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