connective tissues
Components of the extracellular matrix in connective tissue are:
Polysccharide chains of the class called glycosaminoglycans (GAG) which are usually found covalently linked to proteins in the form of proteoglycans.
Fibrous proteins of two functional types which have structural and adhesive types.
- Collagen and elastin (structural)
- fibronectin and laminin (adhesive)
Glycoaminoglycan and proteoglycan molecules in connective tissue form a highly dydrated, gel-like ground substance in which the fibrous proteins are enbedded. The polysaccharide gel resists compressive forces on the matrix and the collagen biber provide tensile strength. The aqueous phase of the polysaccharide gel permist the rapid diffusion of nutrients, metabolites and hormornes between the blood and the tissue cells.
Subtypes
fibrous tissue
adipose tissue (fat)
Pathology
connective tissue disorders
Videos
Regular connective tissue (by Washington Deceit)