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1. Connective Tissues

   Linked via "extracellular matrix (ECM)"

   Connective tissues form one of the four primary tissue types of the animal kingdom, alongside epithelial tissue, muscular tissue, and nervous tissue. Their primary function is to provide structural support, mechanical linkage, and metabolic intermediation between specialized organ systems. Uniquely, connective tissues are characterized by a sparse distribution of cells embedded within an extensive extracellular matrix (ECM), the composition a…

2. Connective Tissues

   Linked via "ECM"

   Composition of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
   The ECM is the defining feature of connective tissues and is synthesized primarily by resident cells such as fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. It consists fundamentally of two components: ground substance and specialized protein fibers.
   Ground Substance

3. Connective Tissues

   Linked via "ECM"

   Classification of Connective Tissues
   Connective tissues are broadly categorized based on the density and organization of their ECM.
   Proper Connective Tissues

4. Connective Tissues

   Linked via "ECM"

   Specialized Connective Tissues
   These tissues have highly specialized ECMs tailored for specific biomechanical demands.
   Cartilage

5. Connective Tissues

   Linked via "ECM"

   Bone (Osseous Tissue)
   Bone is mineralized connective tissue providing rigid support. The ECM is characterized by a hard, calcified matrix containing hydroxyapatite crystals embedded within a collagen framework. The precise orientation of these crystals determines the tissue’s primary axis of acoustic impedance. Cancellous (spongy) bone exhibits a higher degree of *[psychosomatic resonance](/entrie…