MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Fibroblasts synthesize most components of connective tissue ECM, including proteins, such as collagen and elastin, which upon secretion form collagen, reticular, and elastic fibers, and the glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins of the ground substance.

Detailed explanation-2: -The amorphous ground substance is a gelatinous material surrounding the fibers and permitting extracellular fluid to diffuse through. The collagen and elastic fibers of connective tissue proper are histologically distinguishable as three fiber types: collagen, reticular, and elastic fibers.

Detailed explanation-3: -The ground substance of connective tissues is made up of GAGs or glucosaminoglycans which are basically complexes of proteins and carbohydrates. They were formerly known as mucopolysaccharides. So, the correct answer is ‘Mucopolysaccharides’.