Connective tissue

con·nec·tive tissue (k-nktv)

n.

The supporting or framework tissue of the body, arising chiefly from the embryonic mesoderm and including collagenous, elastic and reticular fibers, adipose tissue, cartilage, and bone. Also called interstitial tissue.

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Connective tissue

Tissue that supports and binds other tissue; much of it occurs outside of cells (extra-cellular) and consists of fibrous webs of the polymers, elastin and collagen. Cutis laxa is associated with defects in these fibers.

Mentioned in: Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy, Cutis Laxa, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum, Relapsing Polychondritis, Scleroderma

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connective tissue,

n structural tissue composed of fibrous materials and a substrate that contains a variety of cells. Bone, cartilage, hair, nails, and fibrous tissue between cells and around muscles are all considered types of connective tissue.

Connective tissue.

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connective tissue

a fibrous type of body tissue with varied functions. The connective tissue system supports and connects internal organs, forms bones and the walls of blood vessels, attaches muscles to bones, and replaces tissues of other types following injury.

Connective tissue consists mainly of long fibers embedded in noncellular matter, the ground substance. The density of these fibers and the presence or absence of certain chemicals make some connective tissues soft and rubbery and others hard and rigid. Compared with most other kinds of tissue, connective tissue has few cells. The fibers contain a protein called collagen.

Connective tissue can develop in any part of the body, and the body uses this ability to help repair or replace damaged areas. Scar tissue is the most common form of this substitute. See also collagen diseases.

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elastic connective tissue

found especially in supportive tissues, e.g. some ligaments, and tendons, e.g. nuchal ligament or tunica flava.

reticular connective tissue

a type of connective tissue found principally in myeloid and lymphatic organs; they account for reticular meshwork.