Question

Describe the characteristics and functions of the connective tissues

Answer 1

Connective tissues consist of ground substance, fibres and cells.

Ground substance- made up of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans.

Function- a. slows the spread of pathogens.

b. Produce the matrix of connective tissue.

Fibres- can be elastic, reticular or collagenous.

Collagenous fibres- made up of alpha polypeptide chains.

Function- binding of bones and different tissues together.

Elastic fibres- made up of elastin and microfibrils (elastic)  

Function- recoiling of lungs and arteries.

Reticular fibres- made up of collagen type 3.

Function- scaffolding of other cells.