Connective Tissue Components

by Gary A Clark, myotherapist

The connective tissues serve many purposes in the body:

They provide structure.
They serve as packing.
They provide insulation, and
They are one medium for the defense of the body.

The major components of connective tissue include ground substance, proteoglycans, collagen and elastin fibers and fibroblasts.

Ground Substance

Ground substance is an amorphous, transparent gel that constitutes the matrix of connective tissue. It varies in viscosity in different forms of connective tissue, and under different conditions.

Proteoglycans

The ground substance contains molecules called proteoglycans. They bind large amounts of water, creating the gelatinous material of ground substance.

The main proteoglycan that binds water in loose connective tissue is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid’s high water binding power is the main factor determining the viscosity and permeability of connective tissue. Water bound to hyaluronic acid provides a vehicle for the transport of nutrients, gases, and metabolites between the circulating blood and cells.

Collagen and Elastin Fibers, and Fibronectin

The network formed from proteoglycans, collagen, elastin and fibronectin makes up the connective tissue matrix.

Collagen is a fibrous but flexible, insoluble connective tissue protein. About a third of the body proteins are collagen. Collagen fibers and proteoglycan filaments are the two most abundant solid constituents in the ground substance.

Collagen fibers form cross-links or cross-bindings with adjacent collagen. These links contribute to the semi-elastic yet stabilizing capacity of connective tissue.”

Elastin fibers are smaller than collagen fibers. They enable connective tissue to stretch and then resume its original shape once the distorting force is gone.

Fibronectin is a cell surface protein that attaches cells to the underlying tissue and adjacent cells.

Fibroblasts and Mast Cells

A fibroblast is a cell from which connective tissue develops: they synthesise, secrete and maintain all of the major components of the extracellular matrix. Fibroblasts are the most common connective tissue cells.

The mast cells in loose connective tissue are an important component of the immune system. They secrete heparin and histamine.

about the author: Gary A Clark is a myotherapist and founder of Pain Busters Clinic, where he helps his clients find lasting relief from their chronic muscle pain. For more information or to make an appointment phone Gary Clark at Pain Busters Clinic (Western Australia) 9472 3852 or 0402 945 700