Connective tissue, the type of body tissue that is largely responsible for binding and supporting the body organs and other structures. Connective tissue proper is characterized by cells and fibers embedded in a soft ground substance. The components of connective tissue proper, as in other types of connective tissue are cells, fibers and ground substance (ground substance consist of a variety of mucopolysaccharides such as chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid).

Composition of Connective tissue.

• Cell and Fibers - are the main composition of connective tissue. These two compositions are embedded in a substance called matrix. Matrix ranges from a fluid to a semisolid or gel, and is composed mostly of polysaccharides. Aside from cells and fibers, matrix also contains many blood vessels and nerves. In some parts of the body it is also well applied with lymph vessels.

Two basic types of Connective Cells

• Fibroblast - are concerned with the production of fibers, helping to form new tissue as well as to repair damaged tissue.
• Histiocytes - are cells that eat foreign substances in an effort to protect the body from infection. Histiocytes also called macrophage do not travel through the blood; they just stay in one part of the body.

Fibers. The fibers are made up of protein substance called collagen, each fibers consists of very delicate fibrils that are held together in bundles by a cementing substance.

• Collagenous fibers are the most numerous compared to the other two.
• Elastic fibers are made up of a substance called elastin, and as their name implies they are highly elastic.
• Reticular fibers are chemically similar to collagenous fibers and are often continuous with them. Like the elastic and collagenous fibers they divide into many branches but are much thinner than the other two types.

Basic Types of Connective Tissue. The five basic type of connective tissue is based largely on the type and arrangement of the fibers and cells.

• Loose Connective Tissue or Areolar tissue. This tissue containsall types of connective tissue cells and fibers. It is widely distributed under the skin and within and around body organs, supporting them and holding them in place. It also serves as a pathway for nerves and blood and lymph vessels and acts as a carrying medium for drugs and other substances injected under the skin. Loose connective tissue also plays an important role in controlling the spread of local infections.
• Compact Connective tissue. This tissue is characterized by a tight arrangement of its fibers. It forms tendons, ligaments and fascia, the fibrous sheets that help subdivide the body into compartments containing muscles or organs.
• Reticular Connective Tissue. This type of connective tissue is characterized by reticular fibers, and it forms the framework for the lymph tissue, the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes. It also forms a framework for the bone marrow. A thinner type of reticular tissue is found directly underneath the epithelium of many organs, particularly under the mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive systems.
• Adipose Connective Tissue. Adipose or fat tissue is the only type of connective tissue in which the cells, not the matrix, form the bulk of the tissue. Adipose tissue occurs throughout the body. It serves as a reservoir for fat and helps regulate body temperature by slowing down the loss of heat through the skin.
• Pigmented Connective Tissue. This type of connective tissue occurs in the iris and the choroids (the middle layer of the wall of the eyeball). In dark skinned peoples, it is also found in the dermis (deep layer of the skin).