Connective tissue

Connective tissue, basic tissue that constitutes the connective and supporting element of the body. Forms of connective tissue include fibrous bands, fat, blood, and bone. All forms of connective tissue consist of cells separated by a medium that has differentiated into matrix (amorphous elements) and fibers (formed elements). The matrix is a jellylike mass containing a variable number of fibers. Young cartilage is composed of a large number of cells surrounded by a firm matrix that contains a small number of fibers. Blood comprises a liquid matrix containing cells and fibers in a soluble form. The development of supporting tissue, such as cartilage and bone, results in cells being enclosed in a matrix that has a firm or hard composition.