Describe the different types of connective tissues & give examples?
On the Basis of the matrix, connective tissues are of two main types:- (I) Connective Tissue Proper: It connects and supports many tissues and organs. Its matrix is dense. E.g. (a) Areolar Tissue: It consists of three types of cells and types of fibers, all distributed in the matrix. Fibroblasts are irregularly shaped flat cells with long protoplasmic processes, they secrete collagen and elastin proteins for the fibers. (b) Adipose Tissue: It consists of collagen fibers, elastin fibers, fibroblast, macrophages, & adipocytes which store fat. It prevents heat loss by forming one insulating layer beneath the skin. (II) Supportive Connective Tissues: It consists of the following types of connective tissue: (a) Cartilage: It is the endoskeletal material of the vertebrates, it is in the form of a solid matrix formed of chondrin with few collagen fibers and chondroblasts cells. (b) Bone: The matrix consists of bone cells, osteocytes, fibers, and a ground substance impregnated by calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium phosphate, and calcium fluoride. Due to these salts, it becomes very hard & forms skeletal support of the body.
