Connective tissue with a fluid matrix is classified as fluid connective tissue. The two main types of fluid connective tissue are blood and lymph. These tissues consist of specialized cells suspended in a watery extracellular matrix known as plasma in blood, which contains salts, nutrients, dissolved proteins, and other substances. Unlike other connective tissues that have more solid or fibrous matrices, fluid connective tissues have a matrix that is primarily fluid, allowing for transportation of cells, nutrients, and waste throughout the body. Blood, as a fluid connective tissue, contains red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets suspended in plasma. Lymph, also a fluid connective tissue, consists of a fluid matrix and white blood cells, playing a key role in immune response and fluid balance in tissues. This fluid matrix distinguishes these connective tissues from others that have denser or mineralized matrices, such as bone or cartilage.
Summary
- Fluid connective tissue includes blood and lymph.
- It has a fluid extracellular matrix (plasma in blood).
- It allows circulation of cells, nutrients, and wastes.
- Cells include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
This defines connective tissue with a fluid matrix accurately and comprehensively.
