Connective tissue is one of the four basic types of human tissue, and is primarily composed of fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The ECM is a composite of cell-secreted molecules that offers biochemical and structural support to cells, tissues, and organs. The matrix in connective tissues gives the tissue its density, and when a connective tissue has a high concentration of cells or fibers, it has proportionally a less dense matrix.
The matrix of connective tissue is the part of the tissue that is non-cellular, and is also known as the ground substance. The extracellular matrix occupies the intercellular spaces and is most abundant in connective tissues such as the basement membrane, bone, tendon, and cartilage. The function of connective tissues depends on the physical and biochemical properties of their extracellular matrix (ECM), which are in turn dictated by ECM protein composition.
In summary, the matrix in connective tissue refers to the non-cellular part of the tissue that is composed of fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The ECM offers biochemical and structural support to cells, tissues, and organs, and its composition dictates the physical and biochemical properties of connective tissues.
