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2. Connective tissue

40.3

In contrast to epithelia, connective tissuecells are not tightly attached to each other.

a. Embedded in ECM

Instead they are loosly embedded in the ECM. The properties of the different connective tissues comes from differences in the surrounding ECM. i. Supporting tissuesuch as cartilage & bone has extensive ECM. cartilage: collagen & proteoglycan - rubbery bone :collagen & mineral salts - hard. ii. Binding tissue tendon: parallel fibers of collagen ligament: collagen & elastin

iii. Loose (fibroblasts) iv. Apipose tissue (fat) b. Interact with epithelium

In many cases, the connective tissue cells interact with the overlying epithelium.

3. Blood

Bloodis made up of circulating individual cells derived from stem cells in the bone marrow. These have diverse functions including O2 transport, defense against pathogens and blood clotting.