Human Physiology

Lesson 07 : Tissues

Connective Tissue & Functions

Connective tissues are composed of two major constituents.

1. Matrix or ground substance: it is acellular part of CT which is made up of polysaccharide and or proteins dissolved in fluid or gel like material.
2. Cells: are various types of connective tissue cells dispersed in matrix secreting matrix.

Some examples of connective tissue are bones, cartilages, adipose tissue, blood, lymph, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid etc.

Functionally CT is present in all organs of the body and joins various other tissues together to give the shape to the organ. Different connective tissue performs different functions but some of their general functions are listed below:

1. Blood and lymph transport nutrients and metabolites from one organ to other.
2. Bones and cartilages provide rigid frame work to the body that support the body.
3. Adipose tissue stores the energy in the form of fats.
4. CT holds various tissues in their proper position and helps organs to attain peculiar shape.