This tissue is mesodermal in origin. It is the most abundant body tissue. The cells forming the connective tissues are more widely separated from each other than those forming the epithelium and intracellular substance. It has few cells, an extensive matrix and a rich blood supply.
Wharton’s jelly present in the umbilical cord of foetus is a mucous connective tissue. This tissue consists of large amount of non-living intracellular substance i.e. called matrix, which may be semisolid jelly like substance or dense and rigid depending upon the position and functions.
Connective tissue is found between the cells, tissues, organs, cartilage, bones and act as frame work of body. This tissue also forms the blood and lymph.
Functions of Connective Tissues
- It provides structural frame work and support to different tissue and forming an organ.
- It is supporting and packing tissues.
- It binds with different cells, tissues and organs.
- It protects the body against the wound and infections.
- It stores fat and metabolises fat as in adipose tissue.
- The haemopoitic tisssue produces blood.
- The lymphatic tissue produce antibody.
- It helps in binding and structural support.
- It transports the material from one part to another part of body.
- It replaces the dead and damaged tissues.
- It helps in widening the blood vessels during allergy.
Types of connective tissues
- Proper connective tissue is jelly like soft and less rigid substance showing varies degrees of toughness. In this tissue, various types of cells and fibers are suspended in matrix.
- Supportive tissue is mineralized hard connective tissue and is mesodermal in origin. It supports the body and protects the delicate and vital organs.
- Fluid tissue is mobile fluid connective tissue. It flows with in vessels (blood vessels and lymph vessels).