GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Ground substance and fibers make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). The primary cell of connective tissue is the fibroblast. Its function is to produce and maintain the ECM of connective tissue.

Detailed explanation-2: -The ‘ground substance’ of extracellular matrix is an amorphous gelatinous material. It is transparent, colourless, and fills the spaces between fibres and cells. It actually consists of large molecules called glycosoaminoglycans (GAGs) which link together to form even larger molecules called proteoglycans.

Detailed explanation-3: -Fibroblasts are the most common cell type of connective tissue. They produce both fibers and amorphous ground substance.

Detailed explanation-4: -Loose and dense connective tissue are made up of the following three fibers: collagen fibers, reticular fibers, and elastin fibers.

Detailed explanation-5: -The most abundant cell in connective tissue proper is the fibroblast. Polysaccharides and proteins secreted by fibroblasts combine with extra-cellular fluids to produce a viscous ground substance that, with embedded fibrous proteins, forms the extra-cellular matrix.