what is the extracellular matrix of connective tissue composed of

The extracellular matrix of connective tissue is composed of fibers and ground substance. The ground substance is a gelatinous material surrounding the fibers and permitting extracellular fluid to diffuse through. The extracellular matrix of both loose and dense connective tissue proper is composed of amorphous ground substance, extracellular fluid, and collagen and elastic fibers. The principal fiber type in ordinary connective tissue is collagen, with elastic fibers as a minor element. The protein composition of human connective tissues is described as differing substantially, however quantitative and comparative studies on the subject are few and far between.