Connective tissues are fibrous in nature. They include blood, bone, ligament, cartilage, areolar and adipose tissues. These help in binding other tissues together. They also provide support to other tissues.
Blood has plasma and blood cells. The blood cells suspended in the plasma include RBC’, WBC’ and platelets. Blood flows within blood vessels, and transports gases, digested food, hormones and waste materials to different parts of the body.
Bone cells are embedded in a hard matrix composed of calcium and phosphorus compounds. Bones anchor the muscles and support the main organs of the body.
Two bones can be connected to each other by another type of connective tissue called ligament. Ligaments are tough and elastic. They provide strength and flexibility. Tendons connect muscles to bones and are another type of connective tissue. Tendons are tough and non-elastic, and provide great strength and limited flexibility.
Cartilage has widely spaced cells suspended in a matrix of proteins and sugars. It is found in the nose, ears, and the rings of the trachea to give flexibility.
Areolar connective tissue is found between the skin and muscles, around blood vessels and nerves and in the bone marrow. It helps in repair of tissues.
Adipose tissue contains cells filled with *** globules. It is found below the skin and acts as an insulator.
