Question

Describe the role of the three components of connective tissue. In what ways does a connective tissue provide a structural framework?

Answer 1

Answer

The role of the three components of connective tissue is :

1. Ground substance : It provides a medium in which other components of a connective tissue are suspended. It also serves as a medium of communication and transport.
   
   
2. Cells : The cells such as fibroblasts, adipocytes, mast cells, osteocytes are present in the connective tissue. They are an important source of nutrition and oxygen for the tissue to grow.
   
   
3. Extracellular fibers : These fibers such as elastin, collagen or reticular fibers forms the structure of a connective tissue.

Connective tissue provide a structural framework as :

• The fibers in connective tissue provides it strength and flexibility.
• Connective tissue can withstand force from one or different directions.
• The collagen fibers tends to prevent tearing of the tissue when they are closely packed. Loosely packed fibers allow free movement of the structure.  
• Supportive connective tissue acts a support of skeletal muscles and other tissues to form structural organization of the body.
• Along with making a structural framework, connective tissue also protects vital oragans of the body. Example : Rib cage protects lungs and heart.