Connective Tissue

Connective tissue is found throughout the body and includes fat, cartilage, bone, and blood. The main functions of the different types of connective tissue include providing support, filling in spaces between organs, protecting organs, and aiding in the transport of materials around the body.

Connective tissue is composed of living cells and protein fibers suspended in a gel-like material called matrix. Depending on the type of connective tissue, the fibers are either collagen fibers, reticular fibers, or elastin fibers or a combination of two or more types. The type and arrangement of the fibers gives each type of connective tissue its particular properties.

Blood is a liquid connective tissue composed of a fluid matrix and blood cells. The blood cells include white blood cells, which function in the immune system, and red blood cells, which transport oxygen and carbon dioxide. The fluid part of the blood (the plasma) transports hormones, nutrients, and waste products, and plays a role in temperature regulation.